Our role

Queensland has the second highest rate of infant deaths in Australia. Our priority is to understand the causes so we can help prevent them in the future.

We research and investigate sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). SUDI is the unexpected death of a baby less than one year old. SUDI often happens during sleep and the cause of death may remain unknown even after a full investigation.  We review each death to increase our understanding of SUDI.

We make recommendations to improve prevention, investigation and support for bereaved families.

Our leadership

  • Dr Julie McEniery, Chair

Members and meetings

Our council members have expertise in a range of areas including:

  • paediatric health care and neonatology
  • child health nursing and midwifery
  • forensic pathology
  • research and quality assurance
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
  • child protection.

We have monthly meetings to review infant deaths and develop strategies for prevention and improvement.

Subcommittee members

  • Dr Julie McEniery, Chair
  • Dr Sharon Anne McAuley
  • Dr Clare Thomas
  • Dr Chamanthi Nanayakkara
  • Snr Det. Chris Hansel
  • Dr Diane Payton
  • Fiona Boorman
  • Dr Janene Davies
  • Professor Jeanine Young
  • Dr Wei Wei Chan
  • Kate Cogill
  • Kaye Byrnes
  • Catherine McCosker
  • Dr Susan Ireland
  • Dr Otilie Tork
  • Lee-Anne O’Keefe
  • Dr Lucy Cooke
  • Dr Rebecca Shipstone
  • Shelley Duffy
  • Dr Nicole White
  • Angie Reece
  • Marissa McDonald
  • Brittany Kreis
  • Cheryl Glidden
  • Samantha Lewis
  • Chelsea Wallace
  • Dr Ruth Barker, ex officio
  • Dr Robyn Penny, ex officio

Other committees

Contact us

If you have any questions about our work or projects email us at QPQC@health.qld.gov.au.

Last updated: September 2024