Child Death Review Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

As Minister for Child Safety, spoke in strong support of the bill. Outlined the government's investment of $738 million in child safety since 2015 and praised the QFCC for its work in reviewing child deaths.

“There is nothing more important than the safety and wellbeing of our children.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard

As Attorney-General, moved the second reading and defended the bill as implementing a contemporary best-practice model for reviewing deaths of children known to the child protection system, establishing an independent Child Death Review Board within the QFCC.

“This bill reflects the Palaszczuk government's ongoing commitment to protecting Queensland's most vulnerable children.”— 2020-02-04View Hansard

Made a short contribution supporting the bill, emphasising the importance of protecting children, especially those affected by domestic violence and drug and alcohol violence.

“I support the legislation that is being put to the House today. It will have my support.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard

Announced opposition support for the bill while heavily criticising the government's three-year delay in implementing the QFCC recommendation and the broader systemic failures in child protection under Labor governments.

“The opposition will support the Child Death Review Legislation Amendment Bill that is before the House this evening. However, the Labor government should not think that the opposition's support for the bill means that they will not be criticised.”— 2020-02-04View Hansard

Supported the bill, outlining how the new Child Death Review Board would improve the system by ensuring multi-agency reviews rather than placing the onus solely on Child Safety.

“I rise to speak in support of the Child Death Review Legislation Amendment Bill 2019.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard

Spoke in support emphasising that community safety and protecting vulnerable children is paramount, and praised the new independent review board's ability to make whole-of-systems recommendations.

“We must never forget that we are debating a piece of legislation that is about the welfare and safety of some of the most vulnerable members of our community—our children.”— 2020-02-04View Hansard

As LNP lead speaker, stated the LNP would not oppose the bill as its objectives are fundamental to enhancing child safety. Welcomed the reforms while noting the child safety system was in crisis.

“The LNP considers the objectives of the bill to be fundamental in enhancing child safety and that is why we will not be opposing the bill.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard

Spoke within the opposition's support position while sharply criticising the three-year delay in acting on the QFCC recommendation following Mason Jett Lee's death, and the lack of accountability in the child protection system.

“Taking three years to act on this recommendation is disgusting. The Premier ought to be ashamed as she took the wheel on this one.”— 2020-02-04View Hansard

Supported the bill, drawing on her experience as a former police officer. Emphasised the importance of community responsibility for child safety beyond just government departments.

“I rise to speak in support of this bill.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard

Spoke in support as a committee member, explaining the bill gives effect to the QFCC's recommendation and establishes a new Child Death Review Board to identify opportunities for continuous improvement in protecting vulnerable children.

“Any improvements to the protections and the systems that afford those protections to our most vulnerable are to be supported. We can never do enough to prevent such deaths and we certainly should never shy away from shining a light on the issue.”— 2020-02-04View Hansard

Supported the bill, noting the importance of a whole-of-community approach to child safety.

“It takes a community to raise a child. It takes a community to protect a child.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard

Supported the bill, referencing the Mason Jett Lee case and commending the government for establishing the new independent Child Death Review Board.

“I also commend the Palaszczuk government for upholding its public commitment to introduce such a bill.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard

As shadow minister for communities, stated the LNP would not oppose the legislation and supported the proposals and measures contained within it.

“The Liberal National Party will always stand for safe communities and the safety of all children. That is why we support the proposals and measures that are contained within this legislation.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard

Supported the bill, praising the work of Child Safety officers and other frontline workers who work to keep children safe.

“I rise today to speak in support of the Child Death Review Legislation Amendment Bill.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard

Supported the bill, drawing on his 30 years as a police officer including three years in the Child Abuse Unit. Noted the child safety system was in crisis.

“Our child safety system is in crisis and has been for some time. We are failing our children. Hopefully, this bill and the new board it establishes will go some way to making desperately needed improvements.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard

Supported the bill as long overdue legislation, emphasising the duty of lawmakers to protect the most vulnerable in society.

“May the results of this bill provide what all have sought for so long—that is, for all children, regardless of their circumstances, to be loved, cared for and kept safe.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard

Supported the bill, drawing on his professional experience in the child safety system. Criticised the government for not acting sooner but supported the reforms.

“I will work every day with my LNP colleagues to fight to protect our children.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard

Explicitly stated this is a good bill and the LNP supports it. Criticised the government for being slow to act but supported the legislation.

“This is a good bill and the LNP does support it.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard

Supported the bill, noting the QFCC's report recommendations. Called for the community to do what is needed to protect children.

“Let us get this right. Let us do what we need to do to protect our state's children and stop young lives from being taken far too soon.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard

Supported the bill, speaking about the importance of independent child death reviews based on his personal experience.

“I rise to speak in support of the legislation that is before the House.”— 2020-02-05View Hansard