Teenage girl allegedly raped in ‘heinous’ attack at Queensland residential care home

A Queensland teenager, who is reported to be intellectually impaired, has allegedly been raped in a state-funded residential care home located west of Brisbane, according to police investigations. The alleged assault occurred on 20 August and has been described as a "heinous" offense by Queensland's child safety minister, Amanda Camm. The incident took place in a residential care home that provides care for vulnerable children and young people.

Camm confirmed the matter was being investigated by the police and stated she was zero-tolerant towards abuse, especially when it involves vulnerable children in care. She emphasized that anyone convicted of such a serious crime should face the full force of the law.

The acting deputy police commissioner, Rhys Wildman, confirmed an investigation was underway, but declined to provide more details due to the alleged victim's vulnerability.

Pressure has been mounting on Camm regarding the child safety system after her government claimed it was "broken" prior to coming into power. A June commission of inquiry found that 67% of reported sexual exploitation in state care involved children in residential care, which Camm described as unacceptable. In response, the government has cancelled contracts with providers that failed to meet safety and quality standards, and committed $200 million to implement 52 recommendations made in the child safety inquiry's final report within 30 months.

The attorney general, Deb Frecklington, announced the introduction of a bill to establish the Queensland Protection Commission, which would be a nation-leading safeguarding agency for children and vulnerable individuals. The commission would consolidate key child protection checks and safeguards under one roof, aiming to prevent predators and ensure the safety of Queensland children.