Child safety complaints point to labour hire risks
Queensland's new child safety scheme received six complaints in its first month. They were about workers from one labour hire company.
Queensland's new child safety reporting scheme flagged six complaints about workers from Edmen Community Staffing Solutions in its first month. Edmen is a labour hire firm that supplied temporary staff to residential homes for children in state care.
Edmen's six complaints were roughly 15 per cent of all complaints received that month. This high proportion shows risks from workers moving between different places.
Child safety expert Professor Karen Healy said high staff turnover increases risks. Unsuitable people might enter the system.
The scheme overall received 666 complaints in its first ten weeks. As a result, 39 people lost their child safety clearance.
And 200 cases went to police.
Why it mattersDetecting child abuse depends on good reporting systems. Early complaints show this scheme is catching risks to vulnerable children.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
