A landmark report in Queensland has identified 18 missed opportunities to stop notorious paedophile Ashley Paul Griffith, who was sentenced to life in prison for 307 sexual offences against 73 victims, mostly young girls aged three to five. The Queensland Child Death Review Board found that across 20 years of offending, there were five specific points where action could have been taken to detect or stop him, and 13 other events that enabled his abuse to continue.
Queensland Attorney General Deb Frecklington stated that Griffith 'could have been stopped, and should have been stopped.' The report highlighted systemic failures that allowed the abuse to occur while Griffith was employed at childcare centres between 2003 and 2022.
Premier David Crisafulli described the report as 'harrowing and disturbing reading,' and announced the fast-tracking of a reportable conduct scheme, which the review described as a 'missing piece' that could have identified Griffith's offending earlier. The scheme will be brought forward by 12 months.
In a letter to victims, board chair Luke Twyford acknowledged the 'depth of the betrayal' endured, stating: 'You deserved care, protection and honesty. Instead, you were met with betrayal and harm.'
