Queensland Child Safety Minister Amanda Camm has broken her silence after days of intense political pressure, revealing she was admitted to hospital for treatment of chronic migraines, which prevented her from responding publicly to mounting concerns surrounding the state's child protection system.
The minister had faced criticism after remaining out of the public spotlight while reports emerged that some children in state care had been sleeping on floors inside child safety service centres because suitable accommodation could not be found. Her absence prompted questions from the opposition and advocacy groups, who argued the minister should have publicly addressed the issue sooner.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie confirmed that Camm was admitted to hospital on Tuesday for treatment related to chronic migraines. Government ministers said her health condition explained why she had not attended public events or responded to media questions during the controversy.
The issue comes amid broader scrutiny of Queensland's child protection system following the release of a major commission of inquiry report, which identified longstanding systemic failures and recommended significant reforms. The government has already announced measures aimed at improving care for vulnerable children, including plans to remove children under five from residential care settings.
Opposition politicians argued that, regardless of the minister's illness, the government should have provided clearer communication about the welfare of children in state care and the status of ongoing reforms. They also criticised delays in releasing key child safety performance data, which had been expected by the end of June. The government has indicated the information will instead be published later in July.
Community organisations and the Queensland Family and Child Commission have also expressed concern about the lack of up-to-date public reporting, saying timely information is essential for monitoring reforms and ensuring accountability across the child protection system.
Government representatives have defended their handling of the issue, saying Premier David Crisafulli had already addressed the reports publicly and that work to implement recommendations from the inquiry remains a priority. Ministers have emphasised that improving outcomes for vulnerable children continues to be one of the government's key objectives.
The debate highlights the continuing political pressure surrounding Queensland's child safety system, which has been the subject of repeated reviews and reform efforts over many years. While the minister's health explanation has clarified the reason for her absence, questions over transparency, service capacity and support for children in care are expected to remain central issues as the government progresses its reform agenda.
