LNP Queensland

Funding allocated for each indigenous child in care has dropped despite record boosts to the Child Protection budget, the LNP said today.

Shadow Minister for Child Safety Jack Dempsey said recently released figures showed that while the number of indigenous children subject to a protective order increased by 13 per cent, the amount of funding per child had actually dropped by more than five per cent.

"There is no doubt that Indigenous children are overrepresented in the child protection system, and clearly not enough is being done to ensure the money goes where it can help children the most," Mr Dempsey said.

"When indigenous children are three times more likely to be harmed or at risk of harm and six times more likely to be placed in out of home care than other children, it is clear more needs to be done.

Mr Dempsey said the Bligh Labor Government had failed to reduce the risk of harm to Queensland children.

"The Minister is all too happy to point to the tripled budget for child protection, but the ever growing number of children in care proves this money is not stopping the surge of abuse and neglect," he said.

"Until a plan to reduce the number of children entering care is enacted, the number of children subject to protection orders will only grow.

"It’s time Queensland families at risk had access to extensive early intervention programs to help stop neglect and abuse."