Troubled teen’s mother pushes to change law after mass overdose

A mother whose daughter was raced to hospital after a mass suspected drug overdose has vowed to fight for the rights of parents. How to get involved.

The mother of a troubled teen hospitalised following a mass overdose at North Mackay is calling for support to write a bill to present at parliament over laws she says hinder her role as a parent.

Sarah (name changed for legal reasons) has met with Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert, who was helping her navigate the complicated legislation.

Her 15-year-old daughter Charlie (named changed for legal reasons) had run away from home when her daughter and five others ingested an unknown substance at a Malcomson St home and had to be rushed to hospital.

Police on scene at a North Mackay home after six children were taken to hospital following a mass overdose. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Tragically Jerome Banu went into cardiac arrest and died.

Since the shocking incident Sarah has spoken out after reading hurtful comments attacking the parents of all the children involved.

She told this publication Charlie, who had run away again since being released from hospital, had texted Sarah after reading her story saying, “You really think one parent can change the law.”

“Her words are my campaign,” Sarah said.

“I am knocking on every single door I can of every business … who can help me.”

Sarah said under the legislation she was unable to enforce rules on Charlie because authorities could not make the teen stay at home, even though she had run away and was taking drugs.

She said Charlie accepted phone calls and would respond to text messages, “but how do I know what she is saying is true”.

Sarah met with Mrs Gilbert on Thursday.

“Charlie’s case is quite different to a lot of other children who don’t have a loving home waiting for them,” Ms Gilbert said.

“There’s a lot of perception out there around the rights of children, the rights of parents.

“I’m working through where her rights are as a parent, the rights of a child and how we can bring all the information together.”

Sarah wants to be able to make her 15 year old daughter stay at home. Mrs Gilbert said she was looking at where the law sat on this issue, as well as ensuring both mother and teen had the necessary resources.

Ms Gilbert planned to take Sarah’s list of questions to the relevant ministers “so that we can have a look at how a family like young Charlie’s family can be supported by the system”.

“Whatever changes, if we can make changes, need to make sure that they’re not going to put other children in danger,” Ms Gilbert said.