Almost 4000 cases of suspected child abuse in Queensland are stuck in processing backlogs
• 85% of all investigations statewide into child abuse needing a 10-day start were missed
• Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk needs to show leadership sack her incompetent Minister
Almost 4000 cases of suspected child abuse in Queensland are stuck in processing backlogs, according to the latest child safety data.
Shadow Child Safety Minister Ros Bates said 85% of all statewide investigations into child abuse were not starting within the recommended 10-days timeframe.
“In Queensland there were 3889 cases left outstanding in October where children in potentially dangerous situations were not seen,” Ms Bates said.
“These cases then carry over into the next month creating a waiting list for future cases that child safety staff just can’t keep up with.
“Every number is a child, a human being that is relying on a system that can’t keep up.
“Queenslanders have the right to feel let down by the failure of the Palaszczuk Government to protect vulnerable, abused children.”
Ms Bates said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk needs to sack her incompetent Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman.
“Shannon Fentiman is either misleading Queenslanders or is simply delusional if she claims the child safety system is not broken,” Ms Bates said.
“Today’s revelations are further evidence of a child safety system in crisis and an embattled Minister in denial – we have never before seen such low levels of responses to child abuse.
“These figures are a disgrace and they should be forcing the Minister into action, but they’re not.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk and Shannon Fentiman can spin the figures anyway they like, but the fact is too many vulnerable kids are being left in danger for too long under Labor’s watch.
“The Minister has done nothing for almost two years to address child safety issues and it is the most vulnerable Queenslanders who are suffering as a result.”
