Child abuse reporting scheme sees hundreds of complaints in first weeks

A fast-tracked scheme to report harm and abuse of Queensland children has received hundreds of complaints in the first weeks of its rollout.The reportable scheme launched on July 1, brought forward by 12 months, and provides a consistent framework for reporting sexual offences, violence, and neglect.A review into serial paedophile Ashley Paul Griffith found five separate occasions where his offending would have been detected had the scheme been in place.That review found a lack of information sharing between agencies, including police, enabled his decades-long offending, with the new framework eliminating those silos.Figures presented to budget estimates revealed more than 200 reports of inappropriate conduct towards children in the first three weeks of the scheme's implementation.The Queensland Family and Child Commission opened 174 cases, with 60 matters referred to police involving alleged criminal conduct.Of the reports, 72 came from the early child education sector, 46 from the education sector, 15 from child protection, and nine from the religious sector.Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the numbers were "staggering"."These aren't just numbers, they're people who are potentially predators.Deb Frecklington says the number of reports to the system was "staggering". (ABC News: Luke Bowden)"One of the most frightening statistics is that 72 reports, the highest sector number, came from the early childhood education and care sector, where Griffiths' offending was so prolific."As a result of the referrals, 15 people had their working with children Blue Cards suspended."Which has prevented, in at least one case, a person who sought to move workplaces from starting in their new role," Ms Frecklington said.15 people have had their Blue Cards suspended due to reports to the new scheme. (Supplied)QFCC Commissioner Luke Twyford said the new scheme was already yielding significant results."Information that may once have remained within a single organisation is now being shared appropriately, allowing risks to be identified and managed before more children are harmed."Every one of those cases represents a safer system for Queensland children."Questions over safety of residential care childrenMr Twyford revealed in the budget estimates hearing he had requested a briefing after reports of children in state care sleeping on the floor of child safety offices.The premier last month conceded the practice had occurred under his government but claimed it was rare.Mr Twyford said he was aware it happened but had put questions to the child safety department over recent incidents.Luke Twyford has raised concerns over the treatment of vulnerable children in residential care. (Supplied)"It does occur. But from my perspective, I think we need to put that on a continuum of what is the best and most appropriate place for a child at any point in time?""Given recent media reporting, I would ask questions around, was it predictable and foreseeable?"What was the planning around alternatives, and what other options were trialled?"