Ashley Paul Griffith is currently serving a life sentence following his conviction last year for 307 offenses related to the sexual abuse of 69 children. Among these charges, he was found guilty of 28 counts of rape, with the majority of his victims being girls aged between three and five.

The “In Plain Sight: Review into System Responses to Child Sexual Abuse” report, conducted by the Child Death Review Board, revealed that the abuse could have been detected and stopped sooner. The report highlighted that concerns were repeatedly raised by parents, children, and staff, yet these warnings were met with no apparent action.

Premier David Crisafulli expressed that the review, initiated by the government shortly after assuming office, exposed significant “dark failures” within the system.

“These findings are deeply troubling for Queensland parents, and it is our responsibility to enhance the safety of our systems for every family,” stated Crisafulli.

“This means urgently implementing Queensland’s Reportable Conduct Scheme, which was not adequately prioritized by the previous administration. We need to establish more robust measures to protect children.”

The review has put forward 28 recommendations aimed at enhancing leadership and institutional practices, improving responses for survivors, strengthening intelligence operations, raising community awareness about child sexual abuse, and reforming the criminal justice system.

Child Death Review Board Chairperson Luke Twyford said the report “confronts the uncomfortable reality of the prevalence of child sexual abuse in Queensland”.

“I sincerely acknowledge the courage of every victim-survivor and their families who shared their experience in this review.

“I recognise their hurt, suffering and betrayal, and I hope this report helps in their journey towards healing, while driving change that can benefit many others.

“A system that responds only after harm occurs is not one that protects children, which is why our recommendations call for transformational reform that delivers a child safeguarding approach in Queensland that connects systems, shares intelligence, builds community confidence to detect abuse, responds appropriately to risks, and better supports healing for those who have experienced harm.”

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.