In the wake of yet another tragic loss, the question of child protection in Australia demands urgent attention. The story of a four-year-old boy from the New South Wales Central Coast, allegedly murdered by his mother, is a stark reminder of the failures within our child protection system. This incident, while devastating, is not an isolated case. It is a systemic issue that has been allowed to fester, and it is high time we confront the harsh reality of our shortcomings.
As a childhood abuse survivor, I have firsthand experience of the devastating impact of a broken system. Growing up in New Zealand, I had my first psychology appointment at just two years old after my mother attempted to take my life. Despite numerous reports, appointments with various clinicians, and even begging to be removed from my home, I was left in the care of my abuser until I left home at 15. This is a common narrative for many survivors, and it is a narrative that demands change.
The child protection system in NSW has been found to be inefficient, ineffective, and unsustainable. In 2024, an independent report revealed that around 75% of children presumed to be at risk of significant harm had their cases closed without receiving an in-home safety assessment. This means that over 80,000 children were not given the necessary support and protection they needed. It is a shocking statistic that highlights the depth of the problem.
The consequences of this systemic failure are far-reaching. Rates of violent crime, family violence, addiction, homelessness, and severe mental ill health are all linked to unresolved childhood trauma. As a survivor, I can attest to the long-lasting effects of abuse and neglect. The trauma I endured as a child has followed me throughout my life, and it is a constant battle to overcome the impact of my environment.
The question of accountability is a critical one. How can we expect to change the system if those in charge are not held accountable for their failures? The child protection system has a stewardship role, but without genuine accountability, it is a hollow promise. Reviews and inquiries are necessary, but they must be accompanied by real change. The system must be held to a higher standard, and that standard should be measured against what an ideal parent would do.
In my opinion, the child protection system should always prioritize the child's well-being over policy, process, budgets, and bureaucracy. This is the benchmark that should guide every action, decision, and reform. Unfortunately, this is not the standard by which the system currently operates, and it is a standard that has failed me and countless other survivors. Until this changes, nothing will improve. More children will continue to suffer, and Australia will pay a heavy price for these failures.
Our children deserve better. They deserve to know that their lives matter, and they deserve a system that will protect them from harm. It is time for a national conversation about child protection, one that addresses the systemic issues and holds those in charge accountable. Only then can we begin to build a safer nation for our most vulnerable citizens.
