Latest news with #LauraGerber
ABC News
3 days ago
- General
- ABC News
Queensland coroner to investigate death in custody of woman charged with daughter's murder
Queensland's coroners office will probe the "bizarre" death of Lauren Flanigan, who was under guard in one of the state's most secure prisons. Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre, located at Wacol, accommodates female prisoners accused of the most serious crimes. Ms Flanigan arrived at the centre on Thursday charged with the murder of her three-year-old daughter Sophia Rose, who was found with stab wounds at a home in Moore Park Beach on May 26. On Friday night, the 32-year-old was found unresponsive in her cell. She was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital and placed in the intensive care unit, where she died on Sunday night. The ABC understands Ms Flanigan suffered a medical episode while in her cell. "It's just bizarre that someone can be in a police watch house, and then a prison cell, and then be found unresponsive," said Debbie Kilroy, a prisoner advocate and CEO of Sisters Inside. Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber has been contacted for comment. The Coroners Court of Queensland (CCQ) independently investigates reportable deaths, including every death in custody. An inquest would likely consider the circumstances leading up to Ms Flanigan's death, the supervision she was under at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre, and how she died. The coroner could also determine and make findings to prevent similar deaths from occurring. Queensland Police Service has confirmed it will prepare a report for the coroner regarding the deaths of Ms Flanigan and her daughter Sophia Rose. At the time of her death, Ms Flanigan was awaiting her next court date for the alleged murder of her daughter at the family's home, north of Bundaberg. Last week, police said they were in the early stages of their investigation. Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the community wants answers. "I just think our whole community has gone through an incredible emotional rollercoaster," he said.
ABC News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Queensland government on child safety failures
Premier David Crisafulli and Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber speak in Parliament House about the inquiry, saying child protection failings have "fed a cycle of crime".
ABC News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
More than 100 serious young repeat offenders living in state care, Queensland government figures show
Queensland's "broken" child safety system has facilitated the growth of hardened young criminals, the state government says. Almost a third of all serious young repeat offenders are living in state care, according to newly released figures. It follows the recent announcement of a 17-month commission of inquiry into child safety, led by former Federal Court judge Paul Anastassiou KC, to probe the failings of the out-of-home care system and recommend necessary reforms. The ABC last week uncovered revelations surrounding sexual exploitation in residential care facilities and occasions where foster parents felt unsupported to help children with complex needs in Queensland. Part of the inquiry will investigate failures of policy, process, and practice that contributed to children in state care committing crimes. Data released today showed more than 100 serious young repeat offenders were living in state care, of the almost 400 serious repeat offenders in Queensland. Additionally, more than 200 children in state care were under strict supervised youth justice orders. Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber said the "shocking" and "damning" figures demonstrated the critical need for the inquiry. "Too many kids in the child safety system are falling into the youth justice system and perpetuating that cycle of crime. "Too many kids are ending up in our detention centres while they're in the care of the state. "Too many kids are falling into a life of crime while they're in out-of-home care." The powerful and broad-ranging review will give the commissioner, Mr Anastassiou, the authority to call any witnesses who might assist in forming his recommendations, including former government ministers. Child Safety Minister Amanda Camm would not be drawn on whether political motivations formed any basis for the inquiry. "I want the commissioner to have the full autonomy to go and investigate governance arrangements, to go and investigate procurement practices, to go and investigate delegations, policy, legislation, how things were implemented, who did what, when, what accountability looks like," she said. The opposition yesterday criticised the terms of reference for the inquiry, noting it did not explicitly examine the reasons why more children were entering the state care system. Ms Camm defended the terms today, noting the "enormous powers" it had granted the inquiry to fix the sector. "The scope is both broad but also very detailed as well," she said. "If the commissioner wants to go and look at more broadly — children entering the system, and what are those indicators, and what are those contributing factors — he has the remit under the terms of reference." Prominent Indigenous advocate and Cape York leader Noel Pearson said the state government had "hit the nail on the head" in launching the review. "This is the most important initiative that any Australian government is undertaking in 2025. "Queensland's child protection system has spiralled out of control for more than a decade, causing catastrophic harm to First Nations children and families, as well as to non-Indigenous children in Queensland born into disadvantage." Support service Act for Kids also commended the move to strengthen Queensland's child safety sector. "Any review that can guide individuals, communities and government on improved ways to keep our kids safe should always be advocated for. "Sadly, many stories have emerged of children being harmed in Queensland's out-of-home care system. This is unacceptable and requires urgent action to address."
