'Heinous' alleged rape deepens crisis in state care
A teenage girl has allegedly been raped in a state-funded residential care home in what has been described as a "heinous" act.
A staff member is accused of assaulting the girl, who is understood to be intellectually impaired, at the home west of Brisbane.
Queensland's Child Safety Minister Amanda Camm confirmed the alleged attack was being investigated, saying she had zero tolerance for abuse "particularly when it comes to vulnerable children in care".
"Queenslanders would rightly expect that anyone convicted of such a heinous offence deserves to face the full force of the law," she told reporters on Wednesday.
Detectives are investigating the alleged August 20 assault at the home operated by Lighthouse Child and Family Services.
The Queensland out-of-home residential care provider for vulnerable children and young people has been contacted for comment.
The allegations have been raised as pressure mounts on Ms Camm after the Liberal National government claimed it had inherited a "broken" child safety system, sparking a rebuild.
Ms Camm said a Commission of Inquiry found around 67 per cent of reported sexual exploitation in state care involved children in residential care.
"Sixty-seven per cent of children in residential care that have reported sexual abuse allegations is unacceptable," she said, adding the government did "not have a moment to waste" in reforming the system.
Ms Camm said contracts had been cancelled where residential care providers failed to meet safety and quality standards, and that such providers "have no place" in the system.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Rhys Wildman confirmed the residential care allegation was under active investigation.
But he declined to provide further detail, citing the victim's vulnerability.
The alleged rape comes as the Queensland government look to establish an agency aimed at improving the protection of children from sexual abuse.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the Queensland Protection Commission Bill would be introduced to parliament on Wednesday.
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