Influencer investigated after police received reports of child harm

A police investigation into a child who was removed from her father and influencer mother will likely take several weeks while detectives seek further information from medical reports.

Child protection detectives are investigating the Queensland mother, who regularly shared her family’s life on social media and documented one of her children undergoing medical treatment.

It is understood the child has been removed from both parents after reports of harm.

The mother regularly shared videos about her family’s life. Credit: Nine News

“Police are aware of reports of child harm against a girl,” a spokeswoman said.

“The Queensland Police Service has taken action to protect the child, and commenced an investigation.

“As this is an active investigation, it would be inappropriate to provide further comment.”

It is understood the investigation will take several weeks while police work to obtain medical reports.

As of Wednesday, no charges had been laid. Under Queensland law, the family cannot be identified, and the case remains in the hands of child protection officers.

South Brisbane District Chief Superintendent Andrew Pilotto said the investigation would probably continue until after Christmas.

“It is protracted and complicated and will take a bit of time. I can assure you the child is safe whilst that investigation is undergoing,” he said.

He warned people to be careful about what was posted on social media regarding the case.

“You are liable, criminally and civilly, for what you post on social media,” he said.

“I certainly understand things that go into social media, people get concerned when maybe not all the information is available ... be cautious what you put and what you read on social media.”

Some accounts run by the mother, who had thousands of followers, were deactivated following media reports of the allegations.

Police Minister Dan Purdie, formerly a detective sergeant of the Sunshine Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit, said police were investigating the case.

“I can tell you firsthand, we have some of the best CPIU detectives in the state, whether it’s across the Sunshine Coast or South Brisbane,” he said.

“I’m sure that we have those expert detectives doing everything they possibly can, and using every investigative methodology available to them to ensure that any vulnerable person, particularly a child, is protected, and anyone who doesn’t do the right thing by a vulnerable child is held accountable.”

Premier David Crisafulli described the allegations as horrific, and said it was important for police to conduct their investigation freely.

There appeared to be multiple fundraisers online for the family, with one describing the girl as having seizures.

One GoFundMe page had raised more than $60,000, with some donations made as recently as a month ago. The fundraiser was removed on Wednesday afternoon.

In a statement, GoFundMe said they were investigating the accusations as part of their standard due diligence process.

“This includes co-operating with police investigations,” the statement read.

“We are committed to being the safest place to give, and have spent over a decade building the teams, technologies and policies to protect Australian generosity.

“This includes the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee, which guarantees a refund in the rare case something is not right.

“Whilst the investigation is ongoing, no further funds can be raised, or withdrawn.”

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