Commissioner’s Christmas message

Queensland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Elizabeth Fraser wishes everyone a happy and prosperous Christmas and holiday season.

Ms Fraser is urging parents and carers to keep some important things in mind this festive season to keep their children safe, happy and healthy.

“Children and young people consistently tell us what they value most of all is a loving and supportive family environment, and spending quality time with important people in their lives,” she said.

“Our regular surveys of children and young people, which are backed up by research from key agencies in the child protection sector across Australia, overwhelmingly tell the story of children wanting to have quality relationships.

“The best gift that adults can give children in their care is themselves and the joy of participating in activities that the whole family can do together.

“However, while Christmas is a wonderful time for many families to celebrate and spend time together, it can also be a time of stress, unforeseen accidents and over-indulging in alcoholic drinks, which can cause issues for all involved.

“Queensland is also experiencing a barrage of stormy weather at present. With the heavy rainfall comes a range of hazards such as driving through flooded roads and crossings, and children playing or swimming in flood waters.”

Ms Fraser said the Commission was particularly concerned about the dangers of children being in flood waters, as statistics from the Commission’s child death register show that, since 1 January 2004, 14 children under 18 years have drowned in flood waters or water environments affected by flooding.

“Children aged between 1–4 years are at greatest risk of drowning due to their increased mobility and curiosity, and their lack of awareness of risks,” she said.

“To prevent drownings, it is essential that children are in the direct line of sight of an adult at all times while in or around water, especially dams or creeks where the water levels can rise rapidly.

“With all this rainfall around, I also urge all drivers to be cautious on the roads and take note of changing road and weather conditions to avoid potentially fatal situations.

“This includes avoiding ‘drinking and driving’ – if over-indulging occurs, arrange alternative transport or have a designated driver on hand to keep everyone safe on the trip home from festivities.”

Ms Fraser looks forward to working with stakeholders in 2011 to improve the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in Queensland.

Last Updated: December 23, 2010

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