A Timeline of the John Oxley Youth Detention Centre Abuse Inquiries
The John Oxley Youth Detention Centre in Brisbane has been at the centre of serious child sexual abuse allegations. This article provides survivors and interested parties with a consolidated timeline of events and inquiries, and explains the options available to former detainees today.
Timeline of events and inquiries
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Late 1980s | Allegations of abuse at the centre first come to light, prompting internal scrutiny. The centre held children placed in the care and control of the State, including serious offenders. |
| 1989 | The Heiner Inquiry begins investigating the allegations, including an alleged rape. Other allegations include children being left outside in winter in their underwear and handcuffed to a pool fence. |
| 1990 | The Heiner Inquiry is terminated early, and its documents are controversially destroyed, leading to debate about possible criminal conduct, including interfering with the course of justice and destroying evidence. |
| 1999 | The Forde Inquiry reports on several disturbances at the centre, including assaults by staff on detainees, assaults between detainees, self-harm, and escapes or attempted escapes. |
| 2001 | The John Oxley Youth Detention Centre closes, and its operations move to the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre. |
| After the inquiries | Despite the Forde Inquiry’s findings, no immediate legal action was taken against individuals. Survivors have since sought justice through civil compensation claims. |
Can former John Oxley detainees still make a claim?
In most cases, yes. Queensland has removed the time limit for civil claims arising from child sexual abuse, and since 2 March 2020 there has also been no time limit for claims arising from serious physical or psychological abuse of a child. Individual circumstances still matter. See our guide to limitation periods for historical abuse claims.
Because John Oxley was run by the Queensland Government, a claim is usually brought against the State of Queensland. The centre’s closure in 2001 does not end the State’s responsibility for abuse that happened there.
For most survivors with a viable claim, a civil claim produces a significantly better outcome than the National Redress Scheme, where the maximum payment is $150,000 and accepting an offer permanently extinguishes your right to a civil claim. Applications to the Scheme close on 30 June 2027. Read 5 things you should know about the National Redress Scheme before you apply.
Other Queensland youth detention centres
Many young people were moved between Queensland centres, and one claim can cover abuse at more than one State-run facility. We also have information on Cleveland Youth Detention Centre in Townsville and Westbrook Training Centre near Toowoomba. For centres across Australia, see our guide to youth detention centre abuse compensation.
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