Queensland Govt Launches Review Into Death of Toddler in Caboolture

The Queensland government has launched a review into the death of a toddler, described as the “worst” in the nation when investigating child abuse.

The state government will review the actions of doctors and health workers that lead up to the death of 21-month-old Mason Jet Lee, from Caboolture, who was found dead on June 11 in his mother’s boyfriend’s house after suffering severe traumatic injuries.

Mason was admitted to hospital and doctors reported the risk to the child safety department and fully discharged him. Mason was then released back home by child safety officers despite a broken leg and a ruptured bowel in March, a move which the Queensland’s opposition disagrees with.

Shadow Child Safety Minister Ros Bates said Mason’s death was due to “a broken system”. She has called on the Palaszczuk government to “explain to Queenslanders what her department did, what they knew and what they’re going to do to make sure what happened to Mason never happens again”.

“There is another Mason out there,” Ms Bates said.

Queensland opposition leader Tim Nicholls also questioned whether reported cases of child abuse are being followed up. “We don’t know exactly how many children there are. Either they’re not being reported, they’re not being seen in time,” he said.

Meanwhile, Queensland child safety minister Shannon Fentiman said: “The death of Mason Lee is an absolute tragedy. And like most Queenslanders today I am absolutely shocked and appalled by the reports that we’ve seen.”

Health Minister Cameron Dick said initial investigations showed the clinicians who saw Mason did “what they needed to do”.