For years, front-line workers in child protection sector have witnessed firsthand the complexities and challenges faced by the children they serve. However, recent reforms, prioritising funding over children's individual needs, have raised heartfelt concerns. Should financial arrangements truly determine a child's future or stability? This question bears a burden on those who wish to see every child safe, supported, and thriving.

The recent QLD governement reform changes to our child protection funding and purchasing decisions have inadvertently turned the spotlight away from the true needs of children who have already faced trauma. Such children do not merely need a roof over their heads - they need stability, trusted relationships, and care that speaks to their unique experiences. The sudden disruptions that arise from these reforms risk severing these essential connections, placing children in precarious situations that can further exacerbate their vulnerabilities.

The Petition draws attention  to the concerns raised about the QLD child protection reform and its impact affecting children’s safety, stable homes, trusted relationships and appropriate care. Children who have experienced trauma need decisions grounded in their individual needs. Changes to funding or purchasing arrangements should not determine where a child lives or disrupt relationships that help them feel safe.

Action(s): Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to urge the Australian Government to:

1. Prevent moves driven by funding changes unless a documented assessment demonstrates that moving is in the child’s best interests, while allowing urgent safety moves. Offer stable Individual Placement Support placements the opportunity to convert to Outsourced Service Delivery where feasible and appropriate to assessed needs. Require individual care arrangements rather than bulk purchasing a one-size-fits-all model.

2. Uphold children’s rights at all times and demonstrate this in decisions, records and care practice. Require children’s participation, access to independent advocacy, consideration of therapeutic advice, protection of sibling and cultural connections, and receiving homes and care arrangements that are ready before planned moves.

3. Commission an independent review of reform’s effects on children, placement stability, care capacity and workforce safety, with public findings and action on identified harm.

4. Provide the necessary support and transition arrangements to sustain safe care matched to each child’s assessed needs and ensure continuity of support.

Children get one childhood. Reform must protect their safety, dignity and belonging.

We believe that a national "Child First" initiative is essential. This would involve commissioning a specialist child protection sector bereft of the burdens of financial manipulation, allowing decisions to truly reflect the best interest of each child. In tandem, an independent national watchdog should be established. This watchdog's primary role would be to oversee and ensure that governmental actions align with the rights and welfare of children, without discrimination or bias.

Watching our government deflect responsibility for the crisis onto those directly serving our youth is disheartening. Instead of grandstanding, it's critical to listen to those living and breathing the front-line realities. These workers, along with the children they so passionately advocate for, have rights that need upholding.

Join us in advocating for a brighter, safer future for Australian children and our families by pushing for an Independant National child protection framework where their needs truly come first. Let's work together to guarantee that every child experiences the stable, nurturing environment they deserve. Sign this petition to champion a child-centric approach in our state and propel these necessary changes forward.