Queensland’s Deputy Coroner has completed her investigation into the death of Caboolture toddler, Mason Jett Lee (pictured) in 2016.
Minister for Child Safety, Di Farmer said the little boy’s death and the excruciating pain he suffered shocked and sickened Queenslanders and the nation.
“As horrifying as Mason’s death is, the Coronial inquest’s findings are important to help the community better understand this little boy’s circumstances and how we can do better,” Ms Farmer said.
“I am pleased to see most of the matters identified by the Deputy Coroner have already been addressed by Child Safety in response to three previous reviews specifically undertaken following Mason’s death.”
She said the 16 recommendations contained in the three reviews had been accepted and implemented, including improvements to information sharing between Agencies, better internal review processes and cultural change.
“How the Deputy Coroner’s adoption recommendation could be implemented will be given serious consideration,” Ms Farmer said.
“We know adoption is a complex issue with strong views held by many in our community and we need to hear those views.”
She said the Government had a clear commitment to a strong Child Safety system.
“We have rebuilt the Child Safety system with $1.3 billion in this year’s Budget and an investment of 256 new front-line Child Safety officers and support staff, or 500 by next year,” the Minister said.
“This is a very different Agency to the Child Safety Department of 2016,” she said.
“Our staff are faced with the depths of depravity every single day and do an amazing job in dealing with complex and emotionally-charged cases.”
She said every single Queenslander had a non-negotiable responsibility for the safety of the State’s children.
