Childcare educator Edwina Amy Ling faces 71 child abuse charges incuding torture
The fallout from horrific child abuse allegations have ripped through a remote Cape York community as the regulatory authority steps in to take action.
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Fallout from horrific child abuse allegations has ripped through a remote Cape York community at the centre of a childcare scandal as the regulatory authority steps in to take action.
In September last year, police charged 46-year-old Mapoon educator Edwina Amy Ling with 71 offences, including 62 counts of common assault, eight counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of torture.
To protect the identity of the victim, the Cairns Post cannot name the centre but the facility is run by NPA Family and Community Services.
Northern Peninsula Area parents will now be supported to make alternative childcare arrangements from next week.
An extensive list of questions emailed to the NPA Family and Community Services has not been answered.
Falling outside the remit of the National Quality Framework, the centre in question is regulated directly by the Department of Education, meaning the centre is excluded from the national system aimed at providing high care standards and improving the quality of early childhood education services.
Bravehearts founder and anti-abuse campaigner Hetty Johnston called for an immediate response to the allegations.
“There needs to be a rapid response to make sure the centre is operating properly,” she said.
“This is not something that just happens in Far North Queensland this is happening right across the country, that’s the key (authorities) need to hear.
“Shutting the centre down would punish the children and parents that rely on it and I’m not sure that’s the solution.
“Putting processes and providing training to the carers and owners of the centre is the correct response.
“And making sure the child’s family is properly cared for so they can recover and heal.”
Education Queensland was asked a series of questions about the alleged abuse, however, declined to reveal in detail about how allegations will be managed.
“The regulatory authority has undertaken action in relation to (the childcare centre)”, a spokesman said.
“This matter is currently open to review and the department is unable to make further comments.”
When asked how Education Queensland ensured the safety of children in care at centres not included in the National Quality Framework, the spokesman said the state government is “fast-tracking” a Reportable Conduct Scheme for the childcare industry expected to start in 2026.
Ms Ling appeared in the Bamaga Magistrates Court on July 22 and her matter will return to the same court on September 16.
It’s understood no plea has been entered.
Originally published as Childcare educator Edwina Amy Ling faces 71 child abuse charges incuding torture
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