URGENT UPDATE: Queensland’s Child Safety Minister, Amanda Camm, has initiated a critical audit following a significant IT failure that jeopardizes the welfare of vulnerable children. Revealed during a media briefing in Brisbane this morning, Camm disclosed alarming issues with the $183 million IT system upgrade, known as Unify, which was implemented in April 2023.
Camm described the situation as a “bungled IT program” that has left frontline staff unable to access vital information, severely impacting their ability to respond to urgent risks. “My major concern, as the minister for child safety, is that a system failure of this type could result in the death of a child,” she stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The problems were first reported to Camm on Wednesday, with director-general Belinda Drew providing additional details during a briefing on Friday. Camm emphasized that the issues are not just technical; they hinder information sharing between agencies and dampen reporting capabilities.
In light of these developments, Camm announced that an external audit of the Unify system will commence by Monday, with the investigation expected to last up to two months. She attributed the system’s failures to the policies of the former Labor government, stating, “This is a legacy of their administration that we are now forced to address.”
The implications of this IT failure are profound, raising concerns about the safety of children who rely on timely interventions from the Child Safety Department. As the department grapples with these challenges, the opposition has been contacted for their stance on the situation.
As this story develops, it highlights the urgent need for robust systems in child protection services. The outcomes of the audit may shape the future of child safety protocols in Queensland. Stay tuned for more updates as they unfold.
