Review launched into Blue Card Child Protection System

The Queensland Government has announced its review into System Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The review will be undertaken by Queensland’s Child Death Review Board, with the Terms of Reference focused on system responses to child sexual abuse, including those that failed to protect children from convicted paedophile Ashley Paul Griffith. 

The review will identify weaknesses in laws, policies, procedures and practices, across early childhood education and care, police, and blue card systems. 

Child Death Review Board Chairperson Luke Twyford said he welcomed the opportunity to lead the review, examining one of the most horrific cases of child sexual exploitation reported in Australia. 

“I am committed to working closely with government agencies and community organisations to identify the gaps in the system that enabled this opportunity for harm, analyse the system response, and identify the improvements needed,” Mr Twyford said. 

“The review will include input from experts and victims of child sexual exploitation to ensure our review is carried out to the highest standards and considers contemporary child safeguarding practices. 

“Our findings will be released publicly, and we will release public progress reports throughout the review period to ensure transparency and to provide the public with confidence in the process.” 

The Terms of Reference for the System Response to Child Sexual Abuse have been endorsed by the Child Death Review Board and work will start immediately. 

The Terms of Reference are available at qfcc.qld.gov.au/board

For media information contact:
Kirstine O’Donnell | Queensland Family and Child Commission
Phone: 0404 971 164
Email: media@qfcc.qld.gov.au