The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is proud to join communities across the state in recognising the 40th anniversary of Queensland Child Protection Week (QCPW), reaffirming its commitment to protecting children and supporting safer communities.
QPS’ history of specialist capabilities dedicated to child protection dates back to 1963, with the establishment of Juvenile Aid Bureaus (JABs) across Queensland; a capability that helped lay the foundations for the specialist Child Protection Investigation Units operating today.
QPS Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon said Queensland Child Protection Week is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of police officers, staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect Queensland’s most vulnerable.
“For decades, Queensland police officers and staff have worked to protect children, support those at risk of harm and help make communities safer,” Deputy Commissioner Scanlon said.
“The 40th anniversary of QCPW is an opportunity to recognise the generations of current and former officers, support staff and partners who have dedicated themselves to that work, often in very challenging circumstances.
“Long before the establishment of the early JABs, protecting children was already a core part of policing in Queensland, and it continues today through specialist investigation capabilities and frontline police.”
That legacy continued with the establishment of Taskforce Argos in 1997. In 2006, the Bureaus evolved and were renamed to the specialist Child Protection Investigation Units, strengthening our ability to investigate offences, safeguard children and hold offenders to account.
Today, Queensland investigators are recognised internationally for their expertise in combatting child exploitation and online offending, working with law enforcement partners across Australia and around the world.
Deputy Commissioner Scanlon said while policing responses have changed over time, the commitment to protecting children has remained constant.
“QPS has a long and proud history of pioneering child protection, and our response keeps evolving as risks facing children continue to change,” she said.
“Online exploitation and advances in artificial intelligence remain significant threats, so we continue to strengthen specialist capabilities, partnerships and prevention measures to help keep children safe.”
QPS Crime Command Detective Superintendent Denzil Clark, said safeguarding children required a whole-of-community approach.
“While this week recognises the important work of those on the frontline, it is also a reminder that keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility. Protecting children starts with awareness, conversations and action,” Detective Superintendent Clark said.
“We all have a role to play in recognising the signs of abuse, speaking up when something doesn’t seem right and helping create safe environments where children can thrive.”
“Parents, grandparents, educators, coaches, neighbours and community members can make a difference by listening to children, understanding the signs of abuse, and reporting concerns when a child may be at risk.
“QPS is committed to giving parents and carers practical tools, such as the Daniel’s Law Community Protection Website, to help make informed decisions about their children’s safety, while continuing to strengthen community awareness and prevention.”
Queenslanders are encouraged to have age-appropriate conversations with children about personal safety and knowing who the trusted adults are in their lives, while staying engaged with children’s online activities and reporting concerns if they believe a child may be at risk.
Queensland’s Reportable Conduct Scheme also strengthens safeguards for children, requiring relevant organisations to report and investigate allegations of child abuse or misconduct by workers and volunteers. The scheme, which commenced on 1 July 2026, provides an important mechanism for responding to concerns about the behaviour of people working with children and supports information sharing to help identify and manage risks to children.
QPS also continues to deliver the Community Protection and Public Sex Offender Register under Daniel’s Law. The scheme provides a range of child safety information and empowers parents, carers and the community with access to information to help better protect children.
Members of the public can visit www.danielslaw.qld.gov.au to access a range of child safeguarding resources, search whether a reportable offender may be living in their community through the Locality Search, and, where eligible, apply for a Parent and Guardian Disclosure to help them make informed decisions about their child’s safety.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
