Eight-year-old dies from untreated diabetes

Elizabeth Struhs died on seven January two thousand twenty-two of diabetic ketoacidosis after her father ceased providing insulin to treat type one diabetes.

Family belonged to extreme religious sect

Elizabeth's family and other members of a religious sect known as the Saints subscribed to an extreme form of Christianity and did not believe in seeking medical treatment for illnesses.

Officials knew about family's beliefs

Elizabeth's mother Kerrie Struhs repeatedly told police, healthcare workers, teachers, parole officers and child safety workers about her views. These beliefs were discussed at a formal interagency case management meeting.

Coroner: nobody asked why she believed this

Coroner Ainslie Kirkegaard said officials showed an acceptance of Kerrie's beliefs without curiosity. She said there was a missed opportunity to identify broader influences on the children within the family.

“What's striking in the evidence that's available to me, is an acceptance of this mother's beliefs without any curiosity about why she held them.”

Child safety officer admits missed chance

One child safety officer said she was curious about Kerrie's beliefs but did nothing specific in response. She conceded it was a missed opportunity to protect Elizabeth.

“I don't recall doing anything specific”

Coroner considers Victoria's cult recommendations

Coroner Kirkegaard is considering adopting recommendations from Victoria's cults inquiry. Victoria recommended creating a new offence akin to coercive control to apply in the context of organised groups such as cults.

Queensland police flag new ideology concerns

Queensland police created a reporting mechanism in June two thousand twenty-six identifying ideology of concern, including religious, racist and anti-government ideologies. A senior officer warned against targeting religious groups based on ideology alone.

“A key concern has to be religious friends and making sure that we're not targeting religious groups based on their ideologies.”