Rick Thorburn, Tiahleigh murder accused, facing fresh charges: reports

TIAHLEIGH Palmer’s foster father and accused killer is facing charges relating to two other girls, aged four and 11, it has been revealed.

Murder accused Rick Thorburn. Picture: Jack Tran

QUEENSLAND Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a review into the state’s foster care system in the wake of a murder charge being laid against Tiahleigh Palmer’s foster father.

Ms Palaszczuk announced the six month review on Sunday, after it emerged murder accused Rick Thorburn, 56, has also been investigated in relation to complaints made by two other girls in his care.

The Courier-Mail reported police were asked to investigate whether a teenager who lived with Thorburn before he allegedly murdered Tiahleigh suffered any harm.

It also reported the foster carer is facing charges relating to two other girls, aged four and 11, and that the charges helped prompt Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman’s decision to order a review of the Blue Card system.

The Blue Card system monitors people working with children and young people in Queensland.

Tiahleigh Palmer was allegedly murdered by her foster father.

The Queensland Liberal National Party opposition has been calling for Ms Fentiman’s resignation in the wake of the revelations.

The nature of the charges relating to the two young girls has not been revealed.

Thorburn was charged with the October 2015 murder of his foster daughter last week, after an 11-month investigation.

It has been alleged he killed the 12-year-old to cover up a sexual relationship his youngest son Trent was having with her.

Trent Thorburn, now 19, has been charged with incest, two counts of perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The teenager remains in custody after an unsuccessful bail application last week.

Tiahleigh’s body was found on the banks of the Pimpama River, about 30 kilometres from her foster home, a week after she is alleged to have been murdered.

It is alleged Rick Thorburn’s wife, Julene, and his eldest son Josh, 20, also lied to cover up the crimes.

Rick, Josh, Julene and Trent Thorburn — Tiahleigh Palmer’s foster family for the last 10 months of her life.

They have been released on bail after being charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice and perjury.

On Sunday, Ms Palaszczuk announced a six month review of Queensland’s child protection system, which will also examine the circumstances surrounding Tiahleigh’s death.

Queensland Family and Child Commission Principal Commissioner Cheryl Vardon will lead the investigation.

“The panel will help to develop and support the implementation of recommendations to improve foster care and Blue Card systems,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“We will also work with other states to progress a proposal for a national reportable conduct scheme to improve how we respond to allegations of child abuse and neglect across our borders.”

Trent Thorburn, 19, is alleged to have had sex with his foster sister.

On Monday, Ms Fentiman told 612 ABC Brisbane the state’s child protection system was not in crisis, amid calls for her resignation.

The Child Safety Minister has been embroiled in controversy in the past year, following allegations of neglect in the death of toddler Mason Lee, as well as the explosive allegations that emerged in relation to Tiahleigh’s alleged murder.

“It is, as I’ve said, tough, complex work, but I have to say that the cuts under the previous LNP government have made things tougher,” she told the broadcaster.

Ms Fentiman said she had no intention of resigning.

“Calls for my resignation are only coming from the LNP — this is not the feedback that I’m getting from stakeholders, key stakeholders that are now part of this expert panel,” she said.

Detectives are continuing to search the Chambers Flat acreage where Tiahleigh lived with the Thorburns for the last 10 months of her life.

Rick Thorburn has been charged with murder and interfering with a corpse. Picture: Jack Tran

It remains a crime scene, as police search for anything relating to the alleged murder, including the school uniform and pink backpack, which have not been seen since she vanished.

Her body was semi-naked when she was found.

Rick Thorburn has been remanded in custody to appear in Beenleigh Magistrates court on December 21.