The fourth annual report into the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was tabled today, outlining the Queensland Government's work to prevent institutional child sexual abuse, protect children and support people with lived experience of child abuse.
Minister for Children Leanne Linard said the report outlined the progress achieved throughout 2021.
"At the heart of these reforms are the lived experiences of the people who have come forward to share their experiences. Words are not enough to express my gratitude to these courageous and inspiring Queenslanders who are making a difference in the lives of children today," she said.
The Annual Report shows that 183 of the 317 recommendations directed to the Queensland Government, either in full or in part, by the Royal Commission have been completed.
Ms Linard said the report outlined these significant accomplishments; many of which were the culmination of several years of work and collaboration.
"All Queensland adults now have the responsibility to report child sexual offending to police. Institutions must protect children from child sexual offences after new criminal laws came into effect last year," she said.
"Last year we made amendments to Queensland's blue card system to better protect children."
Amendments to the Child Protection Act 1999 were introduced to strengthen children's rights and voices. Work is also underway to develop a new stand-alone program tailored to support the needs of families caring for family members.
Ms Linard said the Queensland Government was continuing its commitment in partnership with Family Matters Queensland to the Our Way: A generational strategy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families 2017-2037.
"Our investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services is increasing. This culturally safe support is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families and is diverting them from the child protection system," she said.
"We are ensuring people with lived experience of institutional child sexual abuse have access to justice and healing through the National Redress Scheme."
The Department of Education has developed Online Safety in Queensland Schools to help guide schools, students, parents, and the community how to keep young people safe online.
"I can assure you, our work does not stop here. We will continue to build on what has been achieved over the past four years," Ms Linard said.
"The Queensland Intermediary Scheme started in Brisbane and Cairns as a pilot program. Intermediaries assist police and the courts to obtain evidence from witnesses in child sex matters who have communication difficulties.
"And we continue to roll out training to police officers from the rank of constable to inspector to assist police who are responding to a person with lived experience. This includes training in trauma-informed approaches."
Ms Linard said several national initiatives were also underway.
"Late last year, we saw the release of two national strategies, Safe and Supported: The National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children and the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse," she said.
"These strategies commit us to working with the Federal Government and states and territories over the next 10 years to continue to prioritise and improve the safety of children across Australia.
"My sincere thanks to the members of the Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce, chaired by Bob Atkinson, AO APM for their tireless work in guiding the Queensland Government's implementation of Royal Commission recommendations.
"We will continue to implement the significant reform agenda proposed by the Royal Commission now and over the coming years."
