Details

The Commission of Inquiry into Abuse of Children in Queensland Institutions focused on the abuse of children in institutional care settings in Queensland, Australia. It considered abuse, mistreatment, and neglect of children by government and non-government institutions and detention centres which were providing residential care for children at the time of The Inquiry, or which had at some previous time provided residential care for children.

The Process
There were two major thrusts of This Inquiry. The first comprised an investigation into past institutional abuse, examined through written and oral evidence obtained through interviews and hearings, and archival research. The second was a review of current systems, legislation, policy and practice, evidence from public and private hearings and inspection of institutional care facilities. Written submissions from organisations were received, as was expert testimony, both through public hearings and written submissions. In-house and commissioned research was also conducted.

Governing Legislation
Commissions of Inquiry Order (No. 1) 1998 issued under Commissions of Inquiry Act 1950

Inquiry Locations
Australia, Queensland, Brisbane.

Public Hearings
A series of public hearings relating specifically to John Oxley Youth Detention Centre were conducted in September 1989. During the hearings, evidence was heard from 17 witnesses.

Private Sessions
Most hearings were conducted in private. Commissioners heard evidence from 105 residents and staff in private hearings; 85 were ex-residents, and 20 were current or former staff.

Written Submissions
151 written submissions were received.

Research
A number of experts were commissioned to examine issues relevant to the inquiry, including literature reviews, primary research and reviews. Studies were undertaken in areas related to the inquiry, including child welfare systems; juvenile justice systems; a review of contemporary legislation, policy and practice; inspection and review of current juvenile detention centres; inspection and review of selected non-government centres; history of Indigenous children in Queensland institutions; and other issues particular to Indigenous people and juvenile detention.

The research unit of the inquiry conducted literature reviews to provide context for the investigations, including in areas relating to the legal framework for inquiry; current theory and knowledge on residential care and institutional abuse; child welfare and juvenile justice systems, and the historical background of Queensland institutions.

Witnesses
105 residents and staff gave evidence in private hearings (85 ex-residents, 20 current or former staff). In addition, 151 written submissions were received from former residents and staff of childrens' institutions.

Gender
Of those who gave evidence that allowed their identity to be disclosed in the Report, 67 witnesses were male and 75 were female. The gender of the other 29 listed is unclear, as they are identified by initials only.

Institutions
The Terms of Reference covered 159 institutions, including orphanages, residential care, industrial schools and detention centres. Of these, 13 are government organisations, 3 Indigenous, and 80 non-government institutions. The Inquiry included examination of both single sex and mixed sex institutions.

Findings
The Inquiry found that unsafe, improper and unlawful care or treatment had occurred in government and non-government institutions, including breaches of the statutory obligations under which such institutions were operating. It found emotional, physical and sexual abuse had occurred in Queensland institutions.

Recommendations
42 recommendations were made. Key recommendations included improvements in record keeping and records access; increased resources to the government department responsible for prevention and care; changed protocols around out-of-home care and juvenile justice; mandatory reporting of abuse within institutions; improved monitoring and advocacy services; and apology and reconciliation services for careleavers.

Further Action
The Inquiry led to changes in department operation and funding of support services for careleavers.

Inquiry Panel

• Heilpern, Hans
• Thomason, Jane