Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner visits across Queensland

The Commissioner Elizabeth Fraser and Assistant Commissioner Barry Salmon have been out and about recently meeting with Community Visitors, Zonal Managers and a number of important stakeholders across Queensland.

The visits provided the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner an opportunity to follow up on how Community Visitors and children in out of-home care were faring following the flood and cyclone impacts and to thank staff for their efforts in acting so quickly to re-establish contact with children in out-of-home care during this time.  

Each meeting encouraged the discussion of local issues, and the unique perspectives provided by Community Visitors and Zonal Managers will be considered as part of the upcoming operational and strategic planning process. The Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner were also able to highlight some of the key child protection developments happening at federal and state levels and how these might inform the future priorities of the Commission.

A particular highlight of the visits was the Commemoration of the Apology Ceremony in Rockhampton facilitated by the local recognised entity, which included a traditional dance performance by local Aboriginal children and young people.

Also in attendance at the ceremony was the Mayor of Rockhampton, Brad Carter and senior staff from both the government and non-government agencies working in this area of Queensland.

Overall, the visits reiterated the high quality of work being performed by Community Visitors and Zonal Managers to assess the circumstances of vulnerable children and to advocate for resolution of their issues when the need arises. The work done in this respect is unique to Queensland's jurisdiction and provides the Commission with a critical source of information on which to base its systemic advocacy.

During the trips, the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner also met with a number of Regional Directors from the Department of Communities, staff at some residential services and Recognised Entities to catch up on the local service delivery initiatives being progressed. 

A visit was made to the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre which was damaged by Cyclone Yasi and which is currently undergoing significant re-development. When completed, the centre will be able to accommodate both male and female young people.

The Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner were delighted to meet with everyone and were highly impressed by the commitment of all to improve the safety and wellbeing of Queensland children.

Click here to read more about the work of the Community Visitor Program.

Click here to read more about the Commission’s systemic advocacy work.

 

Last Updated: May 27, 2011

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