The Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) tabled a report in Parliament on Wednesday 12 May, which reviewed details of 7,175 Queensland children and young people who lost their lives in the 16 years between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2019.
Principal Commissioner at the QFCC, Cheryl Vardon said the report Counting Lives, Changing Patterns, revealed that over this period the deaths of 7,175 children and young people were registered in Queensland.
“This report looks at similarities, shared experiences, patterns and trends to identify mechanisms to improve the health and wellbeing of all children,” Ms Vardon said.
“The death of any child is tragic and I extend my deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those whose name is attached to these statistics,” she said.
“The loss of any child, regardless of circumstances, is a tragedy.
“The impact on family, friends and community is immeasurable.”
Ms Vardon said, despite the heart-breaking loss of these young people, she was glad to see a significant reduction in child deaths in Queensland since 2004, with mortality rates decreasing by an average of three per cent per year.
“Deaths from natural causes, non-intentional injuries, transport accidents, drownings and fatal assaults and neglect have all decreased, to varying degrees, over this period,” Ms Vardon said.
“Over the past 16 years, there has been a significant decrease in fatal transport accidents, with rates falling by an average of 7.9 per cent per year.”
Ms Vardon said there had been a large decrease in road fatalities involving young people aged 15 to 17 that had occurred since the introduction of a graduated licensing system.
“Suicide continues to be one of the leading external factors of child death in Queensland and it is important awareness continues,” she said.
“Queensland has prioritised suicide prevention and is aiming to reduce suicides by 50 per cent by 2026.
“The suicide prevention plan includes a strong focus on children and young people.”
The QFCC’s 79-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
