A year of transformation and expanded mandate: Queensland Family and Child Commission’s 2024–25 highlights

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The 2024–25 reporting period marked a year of significant transformation and growth for the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC), which proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025. Guided by the vision that every Queensland child is loved, respected, and has their rights upheld, the Commission continues to play a vital role in improving outcomes for children and families across the state.

The QFCC’s mandate expanded substantially with the enactment of the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (CSO Act), prompting major investment and capability uplift. The Commission is now responsible for overseeing the implementation of Child Safe Standards and a Reportable Conduct Scheme across Queensland.

To meet these expanded responsibilities:

• The annual budget nearly doubled to $23 million.
• Staff numbers increased from 50 to 80, with further recruitment underway.

This expansion repositions the QFCC from a pure oversight body to a community-focused driver of systemic change. Key initiatives initiated in preparation for the phased introduction of the new safeguards include:

• $3 million Child Safeguarding Grants Program: Funding 46 projects to build sector capacity.
• Comprehensive resources and tools: Including a Quick Reference Guide and Self-Assessment Tool to support alignment with the 10 Child Safe Standards and Universal Principle.
• ‘Raising the Standards’ awareness campaign: Launched in June 2025 to engage both sector and community.

The Commission will apply a proactive, educative, and escalatory regulatory approach to ensure compliance and accountability across in-scope organisations.

A key highlight of 2024–25 was the establishment of the Office of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner (OATSICC), offering a distinct, culturally grounded voice in policy and practice.

Milestones included:

• Blue Card Reform: Removal of mandatory Blue Cards for kinship carers under new legislation.
• Bandarran Marra’Gu Summit: A landmark youth summit producing a Gathering Strength Statement on truth, healing, and systemic reform.
• 125 Young, Black and Proud Scholarships: In partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane, supporting young people’s education, sport, and art aspirations.

Despite persistent over-representation in child mortality (2.6 times the non-Indigenous rate), the Commission remains focused on supporting First Nations children to grow strong in identity, culture, and community.

Using its statutory oversight powers, the QFCC delivered:

• 8 oversight reviews
• 43 formal submissions
• 13 formal recommendations to government

Key oversight outputs included:

• Child Sexual Abuse System Response Review: Led by the Child Death Review Board, focused on the case of Ashley Paul Griffith. Victim-survivor voices were central to the ongoing work.
• Too Little, Too Late: A critical review of the Residential Care Roadmap, calling for a new strategy from the Minister for Child Safety.
• Child Death Monitoring: 427 child deaths recorded; 74% from natural causes. Suicide, transport incidents, and non-intentional injuries were leading external causes.
• Youth Justice Crossover Analysis: Identified 1863 of 2557 youth under supervision had prior child protection involvement, the highest rate nationally.
• Home Education Regulation Review: Highlighted safety concerns and recommended stronger legislative oversight.

Over 8,000 Queenslanders contributed their voices during the reporting period. Engagement strategies included:

• 2025 Youth Summit: A sold-out event with 300 sector leaders and 35 youth speakers from 31 communities.
• Residential Care Expert Advisory Council: 120 young people consulted across six sessions.
• Youth Advocates Program: Casual employment of young people who contributed 577 hours of lived experience insights on topics including sibling care, domestic discipline, and suicide prevention.

The QFCC will continue leading systemic reform with key focus areas including:

• Finalising the System Response to Child Sexual Abuse Review
• Commencing regulation under the CSO Act
• Participating in the Commission of Inquiry into Child Safety

Persistent challenges such as over-representation in detention and residential care, and trauma linked to suicide and violence, remain central to the QFCC’s mission.

As the Commission enters its second decade, it does so with a sharpened mandate, stronger voice, and a clear commitment to transformational change for Queensland’s children and families.

Access the annual reports on the QLD Family and Child Commission website.

If this article has raised concerns or distress, support is available:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
• 13YARN – 13 92 76 (24/7 support for First Nations peoples)
• Bravehearts – 1800 272 831
• QFCC Complaints and Feedback – www.qfcc.qld.gov.au