· Labor must come clean to Queenslanders and release latest child safety data now
· Last quarter’s data (September) showed 13,057 investigations or 62 per cent of all cases were not started in required timeframes
· Leaked internal data from October 2016 shows almost 4000 cases of suspected child abuse across the state are stuck in processing backlogs and 85 per cent of cases that need action within 10-days aren’t being actioned

Labor’s embattled Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman must come clean today on the latest official report card for Queensland’s child protection system almost four months since the December 30 cut-off and not use the ANZAC day public holiday as a cover to release the latest child safety data and.

Shadow Child Safety Minister Ros Bates said the Palaszczuk Government had form for its washing of child safety data and were slow when it came to releasing it, but Queenslanders deserved to know the current state of our Child Safety Department.

“We know from the leaked October 2016 data almost 4000 cases of suspected child abuse across the state are stuck in processing backlogs and thousands of abuse reports are not being actioned in time.

“On top of that the Government tried to censor Opposition access to similar data for November and December with a $4000 cost impediment.

“Shannon Fentiman can try and spin the latest data every which way she likes, there is no hiding from the reality that the system is in crisis.

“With more children at harm due to drug-addicted parents, we need a system that is able to protect them and right now, the system can’t.

“Labor’s spin machine has been working overtime trying to push the ‘ice’ addict parent line and claiming the mass removal of kids following positive tests.

“This is no doubt setting up the Minister’s excuse for when the latest numbers come out.

“Queenslanders don’t need more ‘washed’ data from this incompetent Minister – they want the truth.”

Ms Bates said the September data showed 412 critical 24 hour investigations were not started in required timeframes.

“This means under this Minister’s watch more than 400 children were left unseen in potentially abusive homes unchecked,” she said.

“Labor must stop the data washing and come clean to Queenslanders and release the latest child safety data now.

“Only the LNP will build a better Queensland by building stronger families