LNP commits to major inquiry into child protection system failures
Ashley Paul Griffith case catalyst for major inquiry
MEDIA STATEMENT
11 SEPTEMBER 2024
LNP commits to investigate child protection system failures
Ashley Paul Griffith case catalyst for major independent inquiry
Queensland Commissioner to exercise extraordinary powers to investigate failings
Recommendations and reforms to strengthen problem plagued system
Report to be made public upon completion
The LNP has announced a Crisafulli Government would launch a full independent inquiry into the horrific system failures that allowed one of the most dangerous and heinous self-confessed paedophiles in Australian history to repeatedly offend in Queensland.
A Crisafulli LNP Government would direct the Queensland Family and Child Commissioner to investigate the child protection failings that should have kept Queensland children safe in this case.
Self-confessed paedophile Ashley Paul Griffith has pleaded guilty to more than 300 offences against children, the majority at childcare centres in Queensland, over an extended period of time.
The Commissioner would be directed to uncover system failings and deliver recommendations to Government.
The LNP has committed to making the report public upon completion.
Shadow Attorney-General Tim Nicholls said victims, parents, the childcare industry and Queenslanders deserved to know a future LNP Government would do everything it could to keep Queensland children safe.
“This shocking case raises serious questions about the efficacy of a system that should have kept Queensland children safe,” Mr Nicholls said.
“A monster was able to carry out his heinous crimes within the current system and we must do everything in our power to fix the failures of that system.
“This major inquiry will examine what went wrong, how it could have be prevented, and importantly it must rebuild faith in the child protection system.
“Queensland parents who drop their children off at day care, childcare or school want to know everything that can be done is being done to protect their children.
“Importantly, the inquiry will deliver recommendations for the necessary reform we must deliver to keep Queensland children safe.”
In 2017, the Queensland Family and Child Commission’s damning report into the Blue Card system made 81 recommendations to bolster Queensland’s Blue Card system.
Shockingly, Labor still has not implemented many of the recommendations.
Concerningly, Labor has also failed to roll out a reportable conduct scheme as recommended by the 2017 Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
This critical safety measure was recommended to protect children.
As directed by the Attorney-General, the LNP’s initial investigation would be conducted using exceptional circumstance provisions in the Family and Child Commission Act 2014.
“Labor must explain why building a robust child protection system has not been a priority for this Government," Mr Nicholls said.
“It is inexcusable that after seven years the Labor Party has still failed to deliver over a third of the critical recommendations to this system that is meant to protect Queensland children.
“Shannon Fentiman and Yvette D’Ath have very serious questions to answer as to why these recommendations have not been followed through and why the safety of Queensland children has not been a priority for the Labor Government.
“In stark contrast, the LNP has a plan to keep Queensland children safe and we will leave no stone unturned to do that.
“The LNP believes that Luke Twyford as the current Chair of the Child Death Review Board and principal Commissioner of the QFCC is the ideal person to carry out this critical investigation.
“Mr Twyford’s expertise, skill and ability is widely acknowledged.
“The LNP has confirmed it is committed to providing any legislative change or mechanism, including a Royal Commission, if the investigation reveals a requirement for it.”
The investigation would commence following the sentencing of Griffith.
-ENDS-
Media contact: Rob Morrison 0438 086 938