The costs of residential care hearings – Brisbane – April 2026

The Commission held public hearings in Brisbane:

  • Week 1: Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 April 2026
  • Week 2: Monday 13 to Friday 17 April 2026.

The Commission held public hearings in April, to consider matters concerning the costs of residential care, for children and young people in State care following a deep investigation into the residential care model.

The Inquiry heard evidence from senior departmental officials responsible for investing, commissioning, procuring and financing Queensland's residential care model and evidence from KPMG who was engaged by the Commission to undertake an analysis of the critical inputs to the residential care model.

Access the KPMG report

The hearings explored several topics including:

  • Different funding model arrangements
  • Investment and commissioning in regional and remote areas
  • Procurement processes
  • Resourcing issues
  • Licensing assessments
  • Qualification and training for contract management staff
  • The response by the department and government to manifest challenges facing the residential care model

Week 1

Location details

Courtroom 1, Harry Gibbs Commonwealth Law Courts Building
119 North Quay
Brisbane

Witnesses

  • Mr Dan Jefferson, National Lead Partner, Health, Ageing and Human Services, KPMG
  • Ms Natalie Wilson, Acting Senior Executive Director, Investment and Commissioning, Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety
  • Ms Michelle McNamara, Director, Reform Implementation Office, Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety
  • Mr Danny Short, Chief Finance Officer, Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety

Hearing commenced at 10am.

Download hearing transcript

Hearing commenced at 10am

Download hearing transcript

Hearing commenced at 10am

Download hearing transcript

Hearing commenced at 10am

Download the transcript

Week 2

Location details

Courtroom 1, Harry Gibbs Commonwealth Law Courts Building
119 North Quay
Brisbane

Witnesses

  • Hanelie Lategan, Chief Procurement Officer, Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety
  • Arthur O’Brien, Deputy Director-General, Corporate Services, Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety
  • Deidre Mulkerin, former Director-General, Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety
  • The Honourable Leanne Linard MP, former Minister for Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs
  • Bernadette Harvey, Deputy Director-General, Commissioning, Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety

Hearing commenced at 10am.

Download hearing transcript

Hearing commenced at 10am and concluded at 3:45pm.

Download hearing transcript

The Commission will not be sitting on this day. Hearing will resume on Thursday 16 April.

Hearing commenced at 10am.

Download hearing transcript

Hearing commenced at 10am.

Download hearing transcript

Last updated: June 2026