The Allan government is under mounting pressure after explosive allegations revealed that children in Victoria’s state care system have been raped, coerced into sex work, threatened with murder, and even firebombed — yet the Minister for Children, Lizzie Blandthorn, maintains the system is “safe.”
The controversy erupted following a Herald Sun investigation exposing disturbing cases of violence, sexual exploitation, and neglect within Victoria’s residential care homes. Whistleblowers, including former wards of the state and current employees, described environments where children are routinely left unsupervised, abused, and exposed to drugs.
Despite these revelations, Minister Blandthorn defended the system during parliamentary questioning from Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier, who accused the government of ignoring repeated warnings about systemic failure.
“Minister, you are responsible for these vulnerable children and young people who are under your care,” Crozier said. “Why were these claims ignored by your government?”
In response, Blandthorn insisted that the system remains a “home” for children who have endured trauma and hardship.
“Our residential care system is indeed a home,” she said. “It is a place where often traumatised young people are provided with care, safety, and support.”
Reports presented to Child Protection detailed shocking cases of sexual abuse, drug use, and unsupervised minors — many of which were allegedly ignored by authorities. Several residential homes have even been the targets of arson attacks, while staff have been threatened with knives and, in some cases, assaulted so severely they required surgery.
Blandthorn emphasised that “strict measures” exist for handling abuse allegations. “Where there are allegations of abuse that meet certain thresholds, they would obviously be reported to the police,” she said. “These are complex environments where children from difficult backgrounds live, and the supports in place aim to give them the same opportunities as any other child — to live safely and thrive.”
Crozier, however, accused the government of neglecting its duty of care, questioning why so many young people in state care are turning to crime.
“These issues clearly show the system is failing,” she said. “Why won’t you take responsibility for failing these vulnerable young people?”
In defence, Blandthorn cited the government’s $548 million investment in Victoria’s residential care system. According to Department of Families, Fairness and Housing data, around 500 children live in residential care across Victoria each year, with another 9,600 placed in kinship or foster care.
But critics argue that funding alone is not enough. For those inside the system — children who live in fear of being attacked, exploited, or abandoned — Victoria’s promise of “safe care” remains tragically unfulfilled.
