Why did the Queensland Government bring forward the Commission's recommendations to May?
The Queensland Government announced on Thursday 12 February it would bring forward the Commission’s reporting deadline to late May 2026 to allow reform to begin sooner. You can read the full Ministerial Statement here.
Were there changes to the Commission’s Terms of Reference beyond bringing forward the reporting timeframes?
There were no changes to the Commission’s Terms of Reference beyond bringing forward the reporting timeframes. The Commission is committed to improving outcomes for children, carers and families across Queensland and creating a safer community for all Queenslanders.
Have submissions closed?
Yes. Submissions to the Commission closed on Sunday 29 March 2026 to meet the Queensland Government's new reporting deadline.
Why was the Commission established?
The Queensland Government established an independent inquiry into Queensland's Child Safety system. As set out in the terms of reference, the Commission of Inquiry's goal is to identify and address systemic issues within the Child Safety system to improve outcomes for children, carers and families across Queensland and creating a safer community for all Queenslanders.
Who is conducting the inquiry?
The Honourable Paul Anastassiou KC has been appointed as Commissioner to lead the inquiry. The Commissioner is supported by an experienced team of legal professionals, investigators, policy officers and administrative staff. The team includes people who have worked in different aspects of the Child Safety system, including as front-line workers, as well as people who have lived experience in the system.
How can I be sure the Commissioner will hear my point of view?
Throughout the inquiry, the Commissioner has sought input on various critical issues regarding the Child Safety system by calling for submissions. All members of the public with relevant information were encouraged to make a submission to the Commission in response to requests through the Commission. All submissions were reviewed.
What areas of the child safety system will be reviewed?
The scope of the inquiry is set by the Queensland Government in the terms of reference. The inquiry is examining topics like the department’s systems and processes, out-of-home care options (kinship, foster and residential care), child protection and youth justice responses legal processes, workforce issues, oversight mechanisms, and accountability.
Will the Commission look at individual cases?
The Commission will at times use case studies of individual circumstances if this approach served to highlight a broader systemic issue.
I want to make a complaint about the Child Safety system. What should I do?
If you wish to make a complaint about a specific matter, please use the existing complaints and reporting pathways through the service provider, government department, or external appeals processes (for example to the Queensland Ombudsman or the Crime and Corruption Commission).
I am concerned about the current safety and wellbeing of a child or young person in the Child Safety system. What should I do?
If you have a current concern about the safety and wellbeing of a child or young person, please contact The Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety. If a child or young person is in immediate risk of harm, please call Triple Zero (000) and report your concerns to emergency services.
Will the voices of children and young people be heard during the inquiry?
The Commission is committed to ensuring the voices of children and young people who have lived experience in the child safety system were heard in a safe, respectful, and meaningful way. A youth engagement program is being developed for this purpose. This will include hearing directly from young people currently or previously within the Child Safety system and also hearing from advocacy groups and organisations who work with these young people.
The inquiry will ensure consultations with children and young people occur in an age-appropriate and trauma-informed manner with appropriate safeguards in place.
How were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities consulted?
The Commission recognises the importance of active, respectful, and meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families within the Child Safety system.
The Commission will work in partnership with community elders, leaders and peak organisations to facilitate consultation. In undertaking its work, the inquiry will examine the experiences and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families in the Child Safety system.
Is support available if I find the inquiry process distressing?
A list of counselling and support services is available.
Can I attend a public hearing?
Public hearings will be held in selected locations around Queensland and at various times during the Commission term. Dates and details will be published on our hearings page, and those who subscribe to news and events from the Inquiry will be updated when this occurs.
At public hearings, Counsel Assisting the Commission will examine selected witnesses and present evidence for the Commissioner’s consideration.
Hearings can be observed by any person, either at the venue location or online via this website. Those attending hearings will be expected to comply with the usual rules of a courtroom and the practice notes on our website.
How long will the Commission of Inquiry run?
The Commission began operations from 1 July 2025 and will provide a final report to the Queensland Government on 22 May 2026. Key updates, issues and discussion papers, and interim reports will be shared throughout the process.
