The Commission of Inquiry into Child Safety will hold its first regional hearing in Cairns early next month and is calling on Far North Queenslanders to make submissions to further help it identify front-line issues.
The inquiry will hear evidence from government and non-government departments, peak industry bodies representing carers, residential care providers and First Nations organisations, foster carers, kinship carers and frontline workers.
The public hearing will begin on Monday, 8 September, and is expected to last for seven to 10 days.
The hearing announcement follows the Commission’s recent visit to the state’s far north for preliminary consultations.
The Commissioner, the Honourable Paul Anastassiou KC, said he and his team had spent a week in Cairns to gain first-hand insight from the community.
“I want to thank the Cairns community, particularly the groups and individuals I have spoken to, for coming forward, and sharing their experiences and stories with us,” Mr Anastassiou said.
The Commission has published a list of issues it plans to explore at the upcoming hearing developed through those consultations.
The Commissioner said he was keen to hear from as many parties as possible.
“The paramount aim of this inquiry is to improve the lives and futures of children and young people,” Mr Anastassiou said.
“If you have information that will deepen our understanding about issues ‘on the ground’ then we want to hear from you.
“I am particularly interested to ensure the unfiltered voices of children and young people who are or were in state care are heard clearly during this Commission. Your input is important and valued.”
Since the Commission of Inquiry into Child Safety opened in July, it has received more than 200 submissions.
“Community input is vital which is why this inquiry is taking a ground-up approach to ensure those with direct experiences of how the child safety system works and its strengths and challenges are heard,” Mr Anastassiou said.
“This will enable the inquiry to make informed recommendations for any necessary and practical reforms to the system.”
The Commission encourages those who have had experience and contact with the child protection system to make a submission relating to any matter within its terms of reference by visiting the Child Safety Inquiry website.
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