IT failure blocks Queensland schools' reports of suspected child sex abuse

Police unaware of 644 reports from principals because of coding error made during upgrade to Education Department system

An IT failure in the Queensland Education Department meant 644 suspected cases of child sexual abuse were not relayed to police.

School principals attempted to report the cases, which took place from 22 January and involved students whose parents or guardians were deemed to be acting in their interests over the abuse, via the department's One School online portal.