THE central Queensland childcare centre where a worker is accused of torturing a child has been temporarily closed.
The Isaac Regional Council announced on Friday it has suspended services at the Moranbah Early Learning Centre.
The move comes after police on Thursday charged a 21-year-old female employee with torture, deprivation of liberty and assault.
The woman, who allegedly taped a child’s legs together, is to face court next month.
In a statement on Friday, the council said it owns the childcare centre but a company called Total Childcare Solutions manages it.
The staff member, who has been charged, has been sacked and two others who are being investigated have been suspended, the statement said.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said a solicitor has been hired to conduct an independent investigation.
“As a parent and grandparent, hearing these sorts of allegations makes me sick in the stomach,” she said in a statement.
“I will not allow one child to step foot into that centre until I’m confident … the appropriate standards are being met by everyone.”
She said parents should make alternative arrangements for at least the next week.
The centre is also offering counselling to parents and children.
Meanwhile, the Queensland Commissioner for Children says there are no plans to review the state’s blue card system.
Elizabeth Fraser says the scheme for screening people who work with children has been regularly refined over its 11-year history.
“Queensland’s system is regarded as one of the most comprehensive and robust of its type in Australia,” she told AAP in a statement.
Under the scheme, the commission is alerted when a blue-card holder’s police file is amended.
Obtaining a blue card to work with children involves a national criminal check.
