Child Safety Minister Di Farmer has thanked the Queensland’s Deputy Coroner for her comprehensive investigation of the death of Caboolture toddler Mason Jett Lee.
The findings of the coronial inquest into the little boy’s death in 2016 were handed down today in Brisbane.
“Mason’s death and the excruciating pain he suffered shocked and sickened Queenslanders and indeed the nation,” Ms Farmer said.
“As horrifying as Mason’s death is, the Coronial inquest’s findings are important to help the community better understand this little boy’s circumstances and how we can do better.
“The Coronial report leaves no detail of Mason’s life and death behind.
“Personally, like all Queenslanders, I find Mason’s death distressing and heartbreaking.
“I am pleased to see most of the matters identified by the Deputy Coroner have already been addressed by Child Safety in response to three previous reviews specifically undertaken following Mason’s death.
“The 16 recommendations contained in those three reviews have been accepted and implemented including the improvements to information sharing between agencies, better internal review processes and cultural change,’ Ms Farmer said.
“How the Deputy Coroner’s adoption recommendation could be implemented will be given serious consideration by the Government.
“We know adoption is a complex issue with strong views held by many in our community ad we need to hear those views .”
The Palaszczuk Government has a clear commitment to a strong Child Safety system.
“We have rebuilt the Child Safety with $1.3 billion in this year’s budget and an investment of 256 new frontline Child Safety officers and support staff, or 500 by next year.
“This is a very different agency to the Child Safety department of 2016.
“Our staff are faced with the depths of depravity every single day and do an amazing job in dealing with complex and emotionally charged cases.
“However, every single Queenslander has a non-negotiable responsibility for the safety of our state’s children.
“I urge everyone to reach out if they see a child at risk of harm.”
