The Queensland Government says its fast-tracked Reportable Conduct Scheme is delivering stronger protections for the state’s children, ensuring organisations that work with young people immediately report and investigate allegations of misconduct and abuse.
Since the Scheme commenced on 1 July, 666 notifications of reportable conduct have been received.
The Queensland Family and Child Commission has referred 199 of these matters involving alleged criminal conduct to the Queensland Police Service and opened 572 active cases for ongoing monitoring.
39 Blue Cards have been suspended using new discretionary powers based on information provided through the Reportable Conduct Scheme which demonstrated the person posed an imminent risk to the safety of children.
Of the hundreds of notifications received, the types of reported conduct included:
- Ill-treatment of a child, which accounted for 29% of notifications;
- Physical violence against a child, which accounted for 22%;
- Sexual misconduct committed in relation to a child, which accounted for 16%.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity, Deb Frecklington said the scheme was already making a significant difference in protecting Queensland children.
“The Reportable Conduct Scheme is one of the most significant child protection reforms undertaken in Queensland and the early results show it is already working,” the Attorney-General said.
“More than 660 notifications have now been received, with organisations right across Queensland recognising risks earlier, meeting their legal obligations and helping ensure concerns about children’s safety are reported and thoroughly investigated.”
“Nearly 200 matters have been referred to police for further investigation, which is why the Crisafulli Government’s $4 million investment to bring forward commencement of the scheme for all relevant sectors is so important.
“The recent introduction of legislation to establish the Queensland Protection Commission builds on these enhanced systems and demonstrates our commitment to delivering the strongest child protection system in the nation.”
QFCC Principal Commissioner, Luke Twyford said organisations across Queensland had embraced the reform and were demonstrating a strong commitment to child safeguarding.
“The number of notifications received shows organisations are taking their child safeguarding responsibilities seriously and are committed to creating safer environments for children and young people,” Mr Twyford said.
“We’ve already seen significant outcomes. Information that may once have remained within a single organisation is now being shared appropriately, allowing risks to be identified and managed before more children are harmed.”
For more information, please visit: https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/reportable-conduct-scheme.
