Media Statement Together Union: acknowledges the tragic death of Lauren Ingrid Flanigan and the difficult circumstances this incident presents for all involved. 04 June 2025 Our members at Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre responded immediately when Ms Flanigan was found unresponsive. They performed CPR and continued life-saving efforts for over an hour until paramedics arrived and took over. Correctional officers do some of the toughest and least visible work in our justice system. They acted quickly, professionally, and with compassion in an extremely high-pressure situation. We stand with them as they deal with the emotional toll of this tragic event. Queensland’s correctional system is under intense pressure. Our members are managing increasingly complex cases — particularly around mental health — in an environment impacted by chronic overcrowding. These conditions don’t support safety, rehabilitation, or long-term community outcomes. Corrections officers have the highest suicide rate of any occupation in Australia. The psychological burden of this work is real — and without urgent action to address systemic issues, risks will only continue to grow. We support a full and transparent investigation and continue to advocate for the safety, wellbeing, and recognition of our members across Queensland's corrections system. ENDS Media contact: Danielle Shankey | 0400 900 927 | danielle.shankey@together.org.au
Media Statement 02 June 2025 Together Union: Child Protection Needs Investment and Action - Not Just Another Review Together welcomes any move by any government to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families, but our members have been here before. The announcement of a Commission of Inquiry into Queensland’s Child Protection system must be a turning point, not just another review. Because while reviews, inquiries, and department restructures come and go – Queensland’s most vulnerable desperately need access to well-resourced child protection workers. A System Beyond Capacity Child Safety workers enter this profession to make a difference, and they do, every single day, in the face of growing complexity, rising demand, and limited resources. Queensland’s public servants working in the child protection system continue to do everything they can for children and families, but the reality is Queensland’s system is under enormous pressure. Across the state Together members are reporting workloads are at unsafe levels. These workers are carrying dangerously high caseloads, often without the resources, staffing, or time to provide the quality support children and families deserve. This is not acceptable for the workforce or for the children who rely on the system. This inquiry must focus on fixing the system, not placing the blame for systemic failings on frontline staff. Over 12 Years of Unpaid Work Since October 2023, department data shows workers have forfeited over 27,000 hours of accrued time – that’s hours worked but never taken as time-in-lieu or paid overtime. Just 3,638 hours have been reinstated in this period, meaning the equivalent to over 12 years of full-time work has effectively been provided for free by child protection workers. This alarming figure shows workloads are so excessive workers cannot access their accrued time-off and this is a clear symptom of a system that’s unsustainable and in urgent need of immediate investment. What Together Queensland is calling for As the largest representative body for Queensland child protection workers, Together is calling for the inquiry to center its attention on creating a well-resourced, evidence based, sustainable and properly supported child protection system that works for the families of Queensland and the professionals who serve them. Departmental trials of new ancillary roles like Paralegal Officers and Case Support Workers are already delivering results: reducing unmanageable workloads and improving outcomes for children and families. These initiatives are not just promising; they're essential. That’s why Together is calling for their urgent, statewide expansion to ensure all child protection workers have the support they need to do their job. ENDS Media contact: Danielle Shankey | 0400 900 927 | danielle.shankey@together.org.au
