Preventing harm to children with disability in Queensland: Report 1 – Department of Education

Abstract

This report presents findings from an investigation by the Queensland Ombudsman into the effectiveness of the Department of Education's current practices and procedures in preventing harm to children with disability. Prompted by Public Hearing 33 of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, the report examines how failures in student protection reporting, recordkeeping, professional judgement, and systemic oversight contributed to the experiences of two children, Kaleb and Jonathon. It identifies areas of concern including inconsistent reporting processes, failure to detect cumulative harm, gaps in human rights considerations, and a need for stronger referral pathways to support services. Nine recommendations are made to strengthen protections for students with disability in Queensland's education system.