Brief
Queensland spends $1.7 million on three professional foster carers in five months
The pilot, launched in April 2026, aimed for up to 100 carers but has so far recruited three, spending $1.741 million of its 2025‑26 budget.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Queensland’s Professional Foster Care Pilot, announced in April 2026, has employed three professional foster carers after five months of operation, at a cost of $1.741 million for the 2025‑26 financial year, according to Child Safety Minister Amanda Camm.
The program, intended to recruit up to 100 full‑time carers paid as much as $100,000 each, targets children with complex needs and seeks to move them out of residential care. Camm pledged $27 million over four years for the initiative.
In response to a parliamentary question from Labor MP Corrine McMillan, Camm disclosed that $1.741 million (excluding GST) was spent to establish and operationalise three Professional Foster Care services, which immediately began recruitment. The three carers have now commenced their roles.
Funding also covered some volunteer foster‑carer activities in Mackay, though the exact amount remains unclear. Delivery of the program is shared between Uniting Care and Key Assets Australia in Brisbane, and Life Without Barriers in Townsville. While Ros Bates is acting minister while Camm is on sick leave, she affirmed the government’s commitment to valuing foster carers and reducing the number of children in state care.
Key facts
- Queensland spent $1.741 million on the Professional Foster Care Pilot in the 2025‑26 financial year. (smh.com.au)
- Only three professional foster carers have been employed after five months. (smh.com.au)
- The pilot aims to recruit up to 100 carers paid up to $100,000 each. (smh.com.au)
- Child Safety Minister Amanda Camm pledged $27 million over four years for the program. (smh.com.au)
- Program delivery involves Uniting Care, Key Assets Australia, and Life Without Barriers. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Queensland Professional Foster Care Pilot: Program spends $1. 7 million to recruit just three carers in five months”
