Message from the Minister
The 2006–07 Budget is confirmation of the Queensland Government’s absolute
commitment to child protection reform.
This year’s $503 million allocation to the Department of Child Safety means funding
has increased almost threefold from 2003–04, when the former Department of Families
received $182 million for child protection.
It is not just a question of money, however. More important is how that money is being
used. I am pleased to say that the government’s approach – a series of funding increases
from 2004–05 to 2006–07 – has enabled the department to progressively develop a
world-class child protection system in Queensland.
Every aspect of the child protection system has been improved, with additional staff,
expanded infrastructure and service delivery, improved legislation, better management
and information systems and the creation of an organisational culture designed to obtain
the best outcomes for vulnerable children and young people and their families.
The reform process has been highly coordinated, with systems developed only after close
consultation with other government agencies with child protection responsibilities, key
non-government partners delivering child protection services and foster carers.
Innovative cross-agency links have been established through the Child Safety Directors
Network and other whole-of-government mechanisms.
The reform process is based on the implementation of all 110 recommendations from the
Crime and Misconduct Commission’s 2004 report Protecting Children: An Inquiry into
Abuse of Children in Foster Care.
To date, 94 of those recommendations have been implemented, with the final 16 scheduled
to be fully implemented in the year ahead. Importantly, the reform process will continue
well beyond that milestone.
The strategies developed and implemented over the last three years concentrate on
protecting children and young people from harm, with specific programs designed for
particular issues, including the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander children and young people in the child protection system.
The latest Budget will consolidate the changes already implemented and continue
the reform momentum this financial year and into the future.
The Budget is evidence of the Queensland Government’s resolute commitment to
ensuring a better future for Queensland’s most vulnerable children and young people
and their families.
Mike Reynolds
Minister for Child Safety
again: a series of funding increases
from 2004–05 to 2006–07 – has enabled the department to progressively develop a world-class child protection system in Queensland.
World class, mahmahmah child protection, Oh my Lord!!!!!
If the world Knew what this sick department does, that statement would be Shoved up his arse.
Now that there is a other Minister. that shoving my do her good.
Class action people 
