Fears of defamation, reputational harm muffle childcare abuse concerns
Commissioned in December last year, the review into Queensland's response to child sexual abuse found some staff members weren't correctly trained to identify suspicious behaviour, and privacy concerns 'minimised' early warning signs.
Queensland Minister for Child Safety Amanda Camm said any recommendations delivered by the review would be prioritised, but she would move to patch holes in the system immediately.
'When you're entrusting your child to be educated, they are little, they are vulnerable, [and] we expect they are getting the highest standard in care and education, and we as a government are committed to that,' she said.
'Queensland parents deserve the right for their children to go to childcare and be safe.'
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The review also covered the Blue Card system, which it found did not screen for concerning behaviour that did not lead to a conviction.
It also found about 20 per cent of Queenslanders hold a Blue Card, enabling them to work with children.
'The attorney-general is working with other state attorneys to make sure … we have the checks and balances and the legislative frameworks to be able to hold those people to account if they have perpetrated [against a child],' Camm said.
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The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
Year-long inquiry into CFMEU 'thuggery' begins
A commission of inquiry probing allegations of a criminal underbelly and intimidation tactics in the CFMEU has begun after a report revealed the union's unwavering pursuit of political and financial power. Queensland's 12-month commission of inquiry into the construction union began on Friday, helmed by experienced industrial relations lawyer Stuart Wood KC. The inquiry was launched after a damning report revealed serious allegations of "thuggery" in the Queensland branch, detailing occasions of union members calling safety inspectors "f***ing dogs", intimidating women and children. Bob Gee, who is taking leave from his role as director-general of the Youth Justice Department, will act as secretary in the inquiry. Mr Wood will have the power to compel witnesses to give evidence and documents to be tabled to the inquiry, as well as protecting victims and whistleblowers. "All Queenslanders deserve workplaces that are safe, respectful and operate within the framework of the law," Mr Wood said on Friday when the inquiry began. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie denied claims that Mr Wood's alleged links to the Liberal National Party as a member would hinder his role, saying there was no better qualified for the role. "He has to do his job independently, impartially and fairly," he told reporters on Friday. The CFMEU was placed into administration nationwide last August amid claims bikie and organised crime figures had infiltrated the organisation. But a report by barrister Geoffrey Watson, a former counsel assisting for NSW's Independent Commission Against Corruption, uncovered serious claims of abuse and intimidation in the Queensland branch. Mr Watson found details that scratched the surface of the CFMEU's "relentless" pursuit of political, industrial and financial power. It was revealed that the CFMEU in Queensland was willing to "crush" anyone who opposed its aims and there was an "obstinate refusal" from some witnesses to provide evidence. The inquiry has broad terms of reference, looking at instances of misconduct making workplaces unsafe for women and the systemic nature of misbehaviour by current and former CFMEU leadership figures. It will also probe the involvement of organised crime within the CFMEU and the broader construction industry and irregularities in financial dealings by the union. A financial audit by investigator KordaMentha in June uncovered the Queensland branch had a $272,946 "unexplained variance" between the cash balance and bank statement. It found CFMEUQ paid $5.5 million to suppliers in August 2024 but this is inconsistent with the monthly profit and loss statements that show expenses totalled $1.5 million. The inquiry is also set to investigate the impact of misconduct on Queensland's economy and construction of housing and transport infrastructure, including the Bruce Highway, Gold Coast Light Rail, Cross River Rail and Centenary Bridge. Mr Bleijie said 12 months was enough time for the inquiry to investigate matters under its terms of reference. A commission of inquiry probing allegations of a criminal underbelly and intimidation tactics in the CFMEU has begun after a report revealed the union's unwavering pursuit of political and financial power. Queensland's 12-month commission of inquiry into the construction union began on Friday, helmed by experienced industrial relations lawyer Stuart Wood KC. The inquiry was launched after a damning report revealed serious allegations of "thuggery" in the Queensland branch, detailing occasions of union members calling safety inspectors "f***ing dogs", intimidating women and children. Bob Gee, who is taking leave from his role as director-general of the Youth Justice Department, will act as secretary in the inquiry. Mr Wood will have the power to compel witnesses to give evidence and documents to be tabled to the inquiry, as well as protecting victims and whistleblowers. "All Queenslanders deserve workplaces that are safe, respectful and operate within the framework of the law," Mr Wood said on Friday when the inquiry began. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie denied claims that Mr Wood's alleged links to the Liberal National Party as a member would hinder his role, saying there was no better qualified for the role. "He has to do his job independently, impartially and fairly," he told reporters on Friday. The CFMEU was placed into administration nationwide last August amid claims bikie and organised crime figures had infiltrated the organisation. But a report by barrister Geoffrey Watson, a former counsel assisting for NSW's Independent Commission Against Corruption, uncovered serious claims of abuse and intimidation in the Queensland branch. Mr Watson found details that scratched the surface of the CFMEU's "relentless" pursuit of political, industrial and financial power. It was revealed that the CFMEU in Queensland was willing to "crush" anyone who opposed its aims and there was an "obstinate refusal" from some witnesses to provide evidence. The inquiry has broad terms of reference, looking at instances of misconduct making workplaces unsafe for women and the systemic nature of misbehaviour by current and former CFMEU leadership figures. It will also probe the involvement of organised crime within the CFMEU and the broader construction industry and irregularities in financial dealings by the union. A financial audit by investigator KordaMentha in June uncovered the Queensland branch had a $272,946 "unexplained variance" between the cash balance and bank statement. It found CFMEUQ paid $5.5 million to suppliers in August 2024 but this is inconsistent with the monthly profit and loss statements that show expenses totalled $1.5 million. The inquiry is also set to investigate the impact of misconduct on Queensland's economy and construction of housing and transport infrastructure, including the Bruce Highway, Gold Coast Light Rail, Cross River Rail and Centenary Bridge. Mr Bleijie said 12 months was enough time for the inquiry to investigate matters under its terms of reference. A commission of inquiry probing allegations of a criminal underbelly and intimidation tactics in the CFMEU has begun after a report revealed the union's unwavering pursuit of political and financial power. Queensland's 12-month commission of inquiry into the construction union began on Friday, helmed by experienced industrial relations lawyer Stuart Wood KC. The inquiry was launched after a damning report revealed serious allegations of "thuggery" in the Queensland branch, detailing occasions of union members calling safety inspectors "f***ing dogs", intimidating women and children. Bob Gee, who is taking leave from his role as director-general of the Youth Justice Department, will act as secretary in the inquiry. Mr Wood will have the power to compel witnesses to give evidence and documents to be tabled to the inquiry, as well as protecting victims and whistleblowers. "All Queenslanders deserve workplaces that are safe, respectful and operate within the framework of the law," Mr Wood said on Friday when the inquiry began. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie denied claims that Mr Wood's alleged links to the Liberal National Party as a member would hinder his role, saying there was no better qualified for the role. "He has to do his job independently, impartially and fairly," he told reporters on Friday. The CFMEU was placed into administration nationwide last August amid claims bikie and organised crime figures had infiltrated the organisation. But a report by barrister Geoffrey Watson, a former counsel assisting for NSW's Independent Commission Against Corruption, uncovered serious claims of abuse and intimidation in the Queensland branch. Mr Watson found details that scratched the surface of the CFMEU's "relentless" pursuit of political, industrial and financial power. It was revealed that the CFMEU in Queensland was willing to "crush" anyone who opposed its aims and there was an "obstinate refusal" from some witnesses to provide evidence. The inquiry has broad terms of reference, looking at instances of misconduct making workplaces unsafe for women and the systemic nature of misbehaviour by current and former CFMEU leadership figures. It will also probe the involvement of organised crime within the CFMEU and the broader construction industry and irregularities in financial dealings by the union. A financial audit by investigator KordaMentha in June uncovered the Queensland branch had a $272,946 "unexplained variance" between the cash balance and bank statement. It found CFMEUQ paid $5.5 million to suppliers in August 2024 but this is inconsistent with the monthly profit and loss statements that show expenses totalled $1.5 million. The inquiry is also set to investigate the impact of misconduct on Queensland's economy and construction of housing and transport infrastructure, including the Bruce Highway, Gold Coast Light Rail, Cross River Rail and Centenary Bridge. Mr Bleijie said 12 months was enough time for the inquiry to investigate matters under its terms of reference. A commission of inquiry probing allegations of a criminal underbelly and intimidation tactics in the CFMEU has begun after a report revealed the union's unwavering pursuit of political and financial power. Queensland's 12-month commission of inquiry into the construction union began on Friday, helmed by experienced industrial relations lawyer Stuart Wood KC. The inquiry was launched after a damning report revealed serious allegations of "thuggery" in the Queensland branch, detailing occasions of union members calling safety inspectors "f***ing dogs", intimidating women and children. Bob Gee, who is taking leave from his role as director-general of the Youth Justice Department, will act as secretary in the inquiry. Mr Wood will have the power to compel witnesses to give evidence and documents to be tabled to the inquiry, as well as protecting victims and whistleblowers. "All Queenslanders deserve workplaces that are safe, respectful and operate within the framework of the law," Mr Wood said on Friday when the inquiry began. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie denied claims that Mr Wood's alleged links to the Liberal National Party as a member would hinder his role, saying there was no better qualified for the role. "He has to do his job independently, impartially and fairly," he told reporters on Friday. The CFMEU was placed into administration nationwide last August amid claims bikie and organised crime figures had infiltrated the organisation. But a report by barrister Geoffrey Watson, a former counsel assisting for NSW's Independent Commission Against Corruption, uncovered serious claims of abuse and intimidation in the Queensland branch. Mr Watson found details that scratched the surface of the CFMEU's "relentless" pursuit of political, industrial and financial power. It was revealed that the CFMEU in Queensland was willing to "crush" anyone who opposed its aims and there was an "obstinate refusal" from some witnesses to provide evidence. The inquiry has broad terms of reference, looking at instances of misconduct making workplaces unsafe for women and the systemic nature of misbehaviour by current and former CFMEU leadership figures. It will also probe the involvement of organised crime within the CFMEU and the broader construction industry and irregularities in financial dealings by the union. A financial audit by investigator KordaMentha in June uncovered the Queensland branch had a $272,946 "unexplained variance" between the cash balance and bank statement. It found CFMEUQ paid $5.5 million to suppliers in August 2024 but this is inconsistent with the monthly profit and loss statements that show expenses totalled $1.5 million. The inquiry is also set to investigate the impact of misconduct on Queensland's economy and construction of housing and transport infrastructure, including the Bruce Highway, Gold Coast Light Rail, Cross River Rail and Centenary Bridge. Mr Bleijie said 12 months was enough time for the inquiry to investigate matters under its terms of reference.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Perth Now
Year-long inquiry into CFMEU 'thuggery' begins
A commission of inquiry probing allegations of a criminal underbelly and intimidation tactics in the CFMEU has begun after a report revealed the union's unwavering pursuit of political and financial power. Queensland's 12-month commission of inquiry into the construction union began on Friday, helmed by experienced industrial relations lawyer Stuart Wood KC. The inquiry was launched after a damning report revealed serious allegations of "thuggery" in the Queensland branch, detailing occasions of union members calling safety inspectors "f***ing dogs", intimidating women and children. Bob Gee, who is taking leave from his role as director-general of the Youth Justice Department, will act as secretary in the inquiry. Mr Wood will have the power to compel witnesses to give evidence and documents to be tabled to the inquiry, as well as protecting victims and whistleblowers. "All Queenslanders deserve workplaces that are safe, respectful and operate within the framework of the law," Mr Wood said on Friday when the inquiry began. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie denied claims that Mr Wood's alleged links to the Liberal National Party as a member would hinder his role, saying there was no better qualified for the role. "He has to do his job independently, impartially and fairly," he told reporters on Friday. The CFMEU was placed into administration nationwide last August amid claims bikie and organised crime figures had infiltrated the organisation. But a report by barrister Geoffrey Watson, a former counsel assisting for NSW's Independent Commission Against Corruption, uncovered serious claims of abuse and intimidation in the Queensland branch. Mr Watson found details that scratched the surface of the CFMEU's "relentless" pursuit of political, industrial and financial power. It was revealed that the CFMEU in Queensland was willing to "crush" anyone who opposed its aims and there was an "obstinate refusal" from some witnesses to provide evidence. The inquiry has broad terms of reference, looking at instances of misconduct making workplaces unsafe for women and the systemic nature of misbehaviour by current and former CFMEU leadership figures. It will also probe the involvement of organised crime within the CFMEU and the broader construction industry and irregularities in financial dealings by the union. A financial audit by investigator KordaMentha in June uncovered the Queensland branch had a $272,946 "unexplained variance" between the cash balance and bank statement. It found CFMEUQ paid $5.5 million to suppliers in August 2024 but this is inconsistent with the monthly profit and loss statements that show expenses totalled $1.5 million. The inquiry is also set to investigate the impact of misconduct on Queensland's economy and construction of housing and transport infrastructure, including the Bruce Highway, Gold Coast Light Rail, Cross River Rail and Centenary Bridge. Mr Bleijie said 12 months was enough time for the inquiry to investigate matters under its terms of reference.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- The Advertiser
Crime down but govt accused of cherry picking data
Victims of crime numbers have fallen in data released by a state that launched a controversial youth justice crackdown, with claims of cherry-picking figures. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli revealed police data for the first six months of 2025 showing victim numbers dropping by 5.7 per cent overall compared to 2024, saying the state had begun to "turn things around" under his Liberal National government. Mr Crisafulli had vowed to resign if victims of crime numbers did not fall by the end of his term during his 2024 election campaign. Data released on Tuesday revealed victim numbers across 12 offences including murder, assault, robbery, coercive control, break and enter and stealing cars had dropped from 75,084 to 72,588, contributing to the overall 5.7 per cent decrease. Yet the figures released by the LNP government did not include "other theft". "This is a very, very small step ... but it is proof that if you do back the police, if you do put in place those resources, if you do focus on early intervention, you can turn things around," the premier said. Data revealed break-ins were 12 per cent lower in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. Overall there were 23,299 victims of break and enters statewide between January and June 2024, dropping to 21,042 this year. Robbery victims fell to 1077 this year compared to 1211 in the same period of 2024, marking a 13.2 per cent drop. More than 9500 Queenslanders had cars stolen in the first half of 2024 compared to 9213 in 2025, showing a 6.4 per cent decrease. The Labor opposition slammed the lack of data on "other theft", saying it meant thousands of Queenslanders were no longer considered victims under the LNP government. "His victim data isn't worth the paper that it's printed on because he's cut corners, cherry-picked, and removed offences that should matter," opposition leader Steven Miles said. "Victims of other theft could be the local independent grocer who has had stock swiped from their shelves, or someone who's had items stolen from their car." Mr Crisafulli defended not including "other theft", saying the offence may not relate to a person. "I wouldn't be standing here saying to you that someone who's pinched a marker from the side of the road, that's not a victim ... it's a crime," he said. The LNP government won the election on a tough-on-crime approach, introducing its controversial "adult crime, adult time" legislation that ensures youth offenders face mandatory life sentences for murder and manslaughter. It also doubled the maximum sentences for other offences, increasing jail terms for break and enter, car thefts, sexual assault, attempted murder and rape. However, the state government is yet to release its expert advice on the laws that have drawn criticism from youth advocates who claim it breaches human rights. The state budget revealed the government was spending $5.2 billion over the next four years on its crime crackdown. Victims of crime numbers have fallen in data released by a state that launched a controversial youth justice crackdown, with claims of cherry-picking figures. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli revealed police data for the first six months of 2025 showing victim numbers dropping by 5.7 per cent overall compared to 2024, saying the state had begun to "turn things around" under his Liberal National government. Mr Crisafulli had vowed to resign if victims of crime numbers did not fall by the end of his term during his 2024 election campaign. Data released on Tuesday revealed victim numbers across 12 offences including murder, assault, robbery, coercive control, break and enter and stealing cars had dropped from 75,084 to 72,588, contributing to the overall 5.7 per cent decrease. Yet the figures released by the LNP government did not include "other theft". "This is a very, very small step ... but it is proof that if you do back the police, if you do put in place those resources, if you do focus on early intervention, you can turn things around," the premier said. Data revealed break-ins were 12 per cent lower in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. Overall there were 23,299 victims of break and enters statewide between January and June 2024, dropping to 21,042 this year. Robbery victims fell to 1077 this year compared to 1211 in the same period of 2024, marking a 13.2 per cent drop. More than 9500 Queenslanders had cars stolen in the first half of 2024 compared to 9213 in 2025, showing a 6.4 per cent decrease. The Labor opposition slammed the lack of data on "other theft", saying it meant thousands of Queenslanders were no longer considered victims under the LNP government. "His victim data isn't worth the paper that it's printed on because he's cut corners, cherry-picked, and removed offences that should matter," opposition leader Steven Miles said. "Victims of other theft could be the local independent grocer who has had stock swiped from their shelves, or someone who's had items stolen from their car." Mr Crisafulli defended not including "other theft", saying the offence may not relate to a person. "I wouldn't be standing here saying to you that someone who's pinched a marker from the side of the road, that's not a victim ... it's a crime," he said. The LNP government won the election on a tough-on-crime approach, introducing its controversial "adult crime, adult time" legislation that ensures youth offenders face mandatory life sentences for murder and manslaughter. It also doubled the maximum sentences for other offences, increasing jail terms for break and enter, car thefts, sexual assault, attempted murder and rape. However, the state government is yet to release its expert advice on the laws that have drawn criticism from youth advocates who claim it breaches human rights. The state budget revealed the government was spending $5.2 billion over the next four years on its crime crackdown. Victims of crime numbers have fallen in data released by a state that launched a controversial youth justice crackdown, with claims of cherry-picking figures. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli revealed police data for the first six months of 2025 showing victim numbers dropping by 5.7 per cent overall compared to 2024, saying the state had begun to "turn things around" under his Liberal National government. Mr Crisafulli had vowed to resign if victims of crime numbers did not fall by the end of his term during his 2024 election campaign. Data released on Tuesday revealed victim numbers across 12 offences including murder, assault, robbery, coercive control, break and enter and stealing cars had dropped from 75,084 to 72,588, contributing to the overall 5.7 per cent decrease. Yet the figures released by the LNP government did not include "other theft". "This is a very, very small step ... but it is proof that if you do back the police, if you do put in place those resources, if you do focus on early intervention, you can turn things around," the premier said. Data revealed break-ins were 12 per cent lower in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. Overall there were 23,299 victims of break and enters statewide between January and June 2024, dropping to 21,042 this year. Robbery victims fell to 1077 this year compared to 1211 in the same period of 2024, marking a 13.2 per cent drop. More than 9500 Queenslanders had cars stolen in the first half of 2024 compared to 9213 in 2025, showing a 6.4 per cent decrease. The Labor opposition slammed the lack of data on "other theft", saying it meant thousands of Queenslanders were no longer considered victims under the LNP government. "His victim data isn't worth the paper that it's printed on because he's cut corners, cherry-picked, and removed offences that should matter," opposition leader Steven Miles said. "Victims of other theft could be the local independent grocer who has had stock swiped from their shelves, or someone who's had items stolen from their car." Mr Crisafulli defended not including "other theft", saying the offence may not relate to a person. "I wouldn't be standing here saying to you that someone who's pinched a marker from the side of the road, that's not a victim ... it's a crime," he said. The LNP government won the election on a tough-on-crime approach, introducing its controversial "adult crime, adult time" legislation that ensures youth offenders face mandatory life sentences for murder and manslaughter. It also doubled the maximum sentences for other offences, increasing jail terms for break and enter, car thefts, sexual assault, attempted murder and rape. However, the state government is yet to release its expert advice on the laws that have drawn criticism from youth advocates who claim it breaches human rights. The state budget revealed the government was spending $5.2 billion over the next four years on its crime crackdown. Victims of crime numbers have fallen in data released by a state that launched a controversial youth justice crackdown, with claims of cherry-picking figures. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli revealed police data for the first six months of 2025 showing victim numbers dropping by 5.7 per cent overall compared to 2024, saying the state had begun to "turn things around" under his Liberal National government. Mr Crisafulli had vowed to resign if victims of crime numbers did not fall by the end of his term during his 2024 election campaign. Data released on Tuesday revealed victim numbers across 12 offences including murder, assault, robbery, coercive control, break and enter and stealing cars had dropped from 75,084 to 72,588, contributing to the overall 5.7 per cent decrease. Yet the figures released by the LNP government did not include "other theft". "This is a very, very small step ... but it is proof that if you do back the police, if you do put in place those resources, if you do focus on early intervention, you can turn things around," the premier said. Data revealed break-ins were 12 per cent lower in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. Overall there were 23,299 victims of break and enters statewide between January and June 2024, dropping to 21,042 this year. Robbery victims fell to 1077 this year compared to 1211 in the same period of 2024, marking a 13.2 per cent drop. More than 9500 Queenslanders had cars stolen in the first half of 2024 compared to 9213 in 2025, showing a 6.4 per cent decrease. The Labor opposition slammed the lack of data on "other theft", saying it meant thousands of Queenslanders were no longer considered victims under the LNP government. "His victim data isn't worth the paper that it's printed on because he's cut corners, cherry-picked, and removed offences that should matter," opposition leader Steven Miles said. "Victims of other theft could be the local independent grocer who has had stock swiped from their shelves, or someone who's had items stolen from their car." Mr Crisafulli defended not including "other theft", saying the offence may not relate to a person. "I wouldn't be standing here saying to you that someone who's pinched a marker from the side of the road, that's not a victim ... it's a crime," he said. The LNP government won the election on a tough-on-crime approach, introducing its controversial "adult crime, adult time" legislation that ensures youth offenders face mandatory life sentences for murder and manslaughter. It also doubled the maximum sentences for other offences, increasing jail terms for break and enter, car thefts, sexual assault, attempted murder and rape. However, the state government is yet to release its expert advice on the laws that have drawn criticism from youth advocates who claim it breaches human rights. The state budget revealed the government was spending $5.2 billion over the next four years on its crime crackdown.
