allegation rather than focusing only on the credibility of the complainant, and they should not make any adverse assessment of the victim or survivor’s credibility or reliability because of their disability. Police who conduct investigative interviewing should make all appropriate use of any available intermediary scheme, and communication supports, to ensure that the victim or survivor is able to give their best evidence in the investigative interview. Decisions in relation to whether to lay charges for child sexual abuse offences should take full account of the ability of any available intermediary scheme, and communication supports, to assist the victim or survivor to give their best evidence when required in the prosecution process. Accept In order to assist in the investigation of current While current Queensland Police Service allegations of institutional child sexual abuse, policies are consistent with this each Australian government should ensure recommendation, the Queensland Police that its policing agency: Service will consider implementation of develops and keeps under review the New South Wales procedures procedures and protocols to guide referred to in recommendation 15. police and institutions about the information and assistance police can provide to institutions where a current allegation of institutional child sexual abuse is made develops and keeps under review procedures and protocols to guide the police, other agencies, institutions and the broader community on the information and assistance police can provide to children and parents and the broader community where a current allegation of institutional child sexual abuse is made. Accept The New South Wales Standard Operating While current Queensland Police Service Procedures for Employment Related Child policies are consistent with this Abuse Allegations and the Joint Investigation recommendation, the Queensland Police Response Team Local Contact Point Protocol Service will consider implementation of should serve as useful precedents for other the New South Wales procedures Australian governments to consider. For further consideration In relation to blind reporting, institutions and Consideration will be given to applicability survivor advocacy and support groups should: and relevance of this recommendation to be clear that, where the law requires Queensland Government agencies. reporting to police, child protection or
allegation rather than focusing only on the credibility of the complainant, and they should not make any adverse assessment of the victim or survivor’s credibility or reliability because of their disability. Police who conduct investigative interviewing should make all appropriate use of any available intermediary scheme, and communication supports, to ensure that the victim or survivor is able to give their best evidence in the investigative interview. Decisions in relation to whether to lay charges for child sexual abuse offences should take full account of the ability of any available intermediary scheme, and communication supports, to assist the victim or survivor to give their best evidence when required in the prosecution process. In order to assist in the investigation of current allegations of institutional child sexual abuse, each Australian government should ensure that its policing agency: develops and keeps under review procedures and protocols to guide police and institutions about the information and assistance police can provide to institutions where a current allegation of institutional child sexual abuse is made develops and keeps under review procedures and protocols to guide the police, other agencies, institutions and the broader community on the information and assistance police can provide to children and parents and the broader community where a current allegation of institutional child sexual abuse is made. Accept While current Queensland Police Service policies are consistent with this recommendation, the Queensland Police Service will consider implementation of the New South Wales procedures referred to in recommendation 15. The New South Wales Standard Operating Procedures for Employment Related Child Abuse Allegations and the Joint Investigation Response Team Local Contact Point Protocol should serve as useful precedents for other Australian governments to consider. Accept While current Queensland Police Service policies are consistent with this recommendation, the Queensland Police Service will consider implementation of the New South Wales procedures In relation to blind reporting, institutions and survivor advocacy and support groups should: be clear that, where the law requires reporting to police, child protection or For further consideration Consideration will be given to applicability and relevance of this recommendation to Queensland Government agencies.
gov-response-royal-commision-child-abuse.docx