Queenslanders invited to get involved in Child Protection Week

Queensland’s Child Protection Week is underway for 2021 with a reminder that protecting children is everyone’s business – not just for one week a year but for the other 51 weeks as well.

Minister for Children Leanne Linard launched the week today 5 September, which will run to 11 September, encouraging Queenslanders to get involved in events and activities in their area.

“Child Protection Week is celebrated across Australia every year and is a chance to acknowledge the commitment of everyone involved in child protection and highlight the important work they do,” she said.

“While COVID-19 continues to create some challenges this year, there are still plenty of opportunities for everyone to get involved with over 100 events and activities across the state.”

Ms Linard thanked the Child Protection Week Committee who organise the annual event, operating under Act for Kids.

“This year the Queensland Government has supported Act for Kids to organise this week with $150,000 in funding,” she said.

“The organising committee is made up of volunteers from 30 organisations to ensure we have strong promotion of child protection and recognise the whole sector.

“Over the next week we want to see everyone helping to raise the profile of child protection so that everyone knows they have a role to play in keeping children safe.”

Ms Linard said as part of the week, professional and volunteer child protection workers would be supported through ‘best practice’ training and a forum to exchange ideas and information.

“We will also recognise advances that have been made in child protection which will contribute to better outcomes for all children and young people into the future,” she said.

“Everyone wants to see Queensland children thriving and families supported to be the best they can be, and this week helps make sure everyone has the tools they need moving forward.

“There has been a tremendous shift in community attitudes when it comes to child safety and we are seeing more and more people willing to stand up and take responsibility for the safety of children.

“Child protection is no longer hidden behind closed doors - it is now everybody’s business every day of the year.”

For more information on events please visit https://childprotectionweek.org.au/events

ENDS

Media Contact:                                  Minister Linard’s office            3719 7330