Cairns will be the first regional location to host hearings for the Queensland Child Safety Commission, starting today. The three-week inquiry will examine pressing issues facing the child protection system in Far North Queensland.
The hearings will focus on key concerns including the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, the removal of newborns from their mothers, and the rising number of children entering state care. Other topics include support for foster and kinship carers, and the operation of non-family-based residential care for children under 12.
Commissioner Paul Anastassiou KC said the inquiry provides an important opportunity for frontline workers, families, and affected individuals to directly voice their experiences and concerns to government. The Department of Child Safety and other government departments will also be represented at the hearings.
The hearings will take place across multiple venues in Cairns from 8–26 September, with limited seating. People can watch the hearings via live stream on the Child Safety Inquiry website.
