‘Heinous’: Ministers defend reforms after revelation of alleged rape of girl in residential care

Police have confirmed they are investigating the alleged rape of a girl in residential care by a worker, as Queensland ministers vowed to crack down on abuse and exploitation of vulnerable children in the child safety system.

Child Safety Minister Amanda Camm spoke about the allegations as she defended the government’s approach to reform at a press conference on Wednesday called to foreshadow the introduction of the Queensland Protection Commission .

The commission would be a centralised child safeguarding agency bringing together oversight responsibilities, including Child Safe Standards and checks on staff working with children.

A police spokesperson confirmed detectives from the Ipswich Child Protection and Investigation Unit were investigating the reported sexual assault of a teenage girl at a facility.

The girl, who has an intellectual disability, first reported the alleged assault by a carer to another worker at the facility. It was then reported to police the following day.

Speaking alongside Camm and other LNP ministers, Acting Deputy Commissioner Rhys Wildman did not confirm whether the person at the centre of the allegations had been stood down.

He said no charges had been laid since the incident was reported to police.

“Our role is around supporting victims and making sure that victims feel confident to tell their story, so that we can get the best outcome in supporting them and holding perpetrators to account,” Wildman said.

“I can tell you that matter is under investigation. It is being taken extremely seriously, as you would expect, involving a young person [and] some of our most vulnerable in our community.”

Camm described the allegations as “heinous” and said the sexual abuse and exploitation of girls and children in the child safety system was driving government legislation.

“Under the [child safety] commission of inquiry , it was uncovered … that 67 per cent of child exploitation that was occurring of children in the child safety system occurred in residential care,” Camm said.

“Our government has zero tolerance for sexual abuse or exploitation on any level, but particularly when it comes to vulnerable children in care.

“We are not wasting a minute in taking action and responding to that, and part of that action is the announcement and the legislation in standing up the Queensland Protection Commission … [and] bringing forward the Reportable Conduct Scheme .”

The Crisafulli government announced the new commission – bringing together the Reportable Conduct Scheme, Child Safe Standards and Blue Card checks – to enhance oversight, accountability and co-ordination to better protect children in June.