Investigation launched into horrific child neglect cases in Qld

It has been confirmed that there will be an independent investigation into the alleged neglect of three children in Brisbane this week, which sent shock waves down the spines of Australians.

Child Safety Minister Di Farmer announced the investigation on Friday, following the tragic death of 4-year-old Willow Dunn at Cannon Hill and horrific discovery of two naked, underweight teenagers at a home in Stafford.

“I have been in contact with the Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath today to ask that this independent investigation start as quickly as possible,” Ms Farmer said.

“There is absolutely no excuse for the neglect of children in our community… I know the community wants answers about these two horrific events and so do I.”

The investigation will be carried out by the Queensland Child and Family Commission and will be at “arms-length” from the government.

“We all need to know how these terrible incidents have happened,” Minister Farmer said.

“That’s why I have asked the Attorney-General to ask the Commission for a comprehensive investigation.

“I expect Queensland’s Child and Family Commission will make recommendations on how the system can be improved and they will receive the Government’s full consideration,” Ms Farmer said.

The body of four-year-old Willow Dunn, who had Down Syndrome, was found in a cot at a property in Cannon Hill on Monday morning.

A post-mortem shows the youngster suffered from severe malnourishment and died several days before paramedics were called.

Her father, 43-year-old Mark James Dunn, has since been charged with her murder.

Just two days later, police discovered two intellectually handicapped teenagers, aged 17 and 19, locked in a bedroom at a home in Stafford.

Officers were called to the property while responding to the death of a 49-year-old man and made the shock find.