Maintaining the Queensland Child Death Register is an important part of the Commission's role. Each year we record the death details of over 400 young Queenslanders and then make the information available to researchers focussed on preventing future deaths.
We are inviting feedback on a new paper focused on how we define and review fatal assault and neglect in child deaths – an important step in strengthening how we understand and prevent harm. We have reviewed research and worked with agencies across Australia and New Zealand to look at how child deaths are currently defined, screened and classified. What we found is that greater consistency and clarity is needed, particularly where there is suspected maltreatment.
This paper proposes a more focused approach to defining child maltreatment, alongside a consistent review of modifiable care factors in child deaths. This is about improving how we identify risk, and understand contributing factors and strengthen prevention. It also proposes a tiered review model, bringing together internal and external expertise to support more consistent classification and deeper analysis.
Importantly, this approach is designed to separate intentional harm from circumstances and system failures. Its intention is to support clearer accountability, reduces stigma for families, and helps identify practical actions that can prevent future harm.
We are seeking input from the sector leaders and practitioners to ensure these changes are effective and workable.
Your insights will help shape a more consistent, transparent and prevention-focused approach to child death review.