Overview

• The inquiry follows a 2024 census revealing widespread abuse, neglect, and self-harm among children in Queensland’s out-of-home care system.
• Residential care costs ballooned from $200 million in 2014/15 to $1.12 billion this financial year, prompting a forensic audit into profiteering by private providers.
• The terms of reference include reviewing individual cases, such as the death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs, and assessing departmental practices and legislation.
• Residential care placements have surged from 650 in 2015 to 2,212 in 2024, with 73% of children experiencing four or more placements.
• Premier David Crisafulli described the system as 'broken' and linked its failures to a broader youth crime crisis, emphasizing the need for urgent reform.