Child safety review

The Queensland government has appointed an expert panel to examine the state’s child protection system in light of the arrest of schoolgirl Tiahleigh Palmer’s foster father for her murder. Queensland Family and Child Commissioner Cheryl Vardon and Bravehearts founder Hetty Johnston will join Foster Care Queensland Executive Director Byran Smith on the panel.The government has been facing mounting pressure since Rick Thorburn, 56, foster father of Tiahleigh Palmer, was last week charged with the 12-year-old’s murder. Thorburn’s youngest son Trent, 19, is facing charges of incest, perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice amid allegations he had sex with Tiahleigh.