Media | State News

Child drowning increase needs immediate action

13th April 2018

"The child commission report into the deaths of young children that was cynically released under the cover of the Commonwealth Games and six months after first being handed to Annastacia Palaszczuk, shows a shocking increase in child drownings.

"Sadly, nineteen Queensland children died from drowning in Queensland last year, up from nine the previous year.

"Even more alarmingly, ten out of the 19 children who drowned last year were also known to child protection system.

"As a mother I am horrified by these statistics.

"This is why I am so passionate about making swimming lessons compulsory in Queensland schools for children.

"The Liberal National Party has already committed to ensuring every child in a Queensland state school can access swimming lessons.

"We owe it to our kids to give them an important life skill that delivers health and lifestyle benefits as well.

"Labor is continuing to drag its feet on an issue that is costing kids’ lives."

Report link - http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2018/5618T473.pdf