SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Tiahleigh review widened to include panel

Following the alleged murder of Tiahleigh Palmer a review into child safety in Queensland has been broadened.

Police officers examine a property connected to Tiahleigh Palmer
A review into child safety in Queensland sparked by the Tiahleigh Palmer case has been broadened. (AAP)

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

A review into Queensland's child safety mechanisms sparked by the Tiahleigh Palmer case has been broadened as police continue to dig up the backyard of her accused murderer.

Forensic officers will return to the Chambers Flat property of Rick Thorburn on Monday after the 56-year-old foster carer was arrested last week and charged with Tiahleigh's murder.

The case prompted the government to appoint family and child commissioner Cheryl Vardon to review child safety mechanisms, with the arrest leading Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman to announce it would also look at the blue card system.

The assessment and approval processes for foster carers will also be scrutinised.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Sunday announced an expert panel would help inform the review, which is expected to take about six months but will progressively recommend reforms.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"The death of any child is an absolute tragedy," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"I, like all Queenslanders, want to get to the bottom of the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Tiahleigh."

But Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls continued the push for a fully independent, external inquiry headed by a figure such as a former Supreme Court justice.

The panel includes Foster Care Queensland chief executive Bryan Smith, Bravehearts founder Hetty Johnson, former Department of Communities director-general Linda Apelt and former Queensland Police ethical standards command assistant commissioner Paul Doyle.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world