Dan Purdie and Bruce Morcombe, background at today’s (October 30) media event.
Nicklin MP and former child protection police officer Marty Hunt has welcomed tougher Queensland bail laws targeting repeat offenders convicted of serious crimes, including child sexual offences, as communities across Australia mark Day for Daniel.
The Crisafulli Government has passed new legislation requiring a mandatory minimum 12-month prison sentence for serious repeat offenders who commit an Adult Crime, Adult Time offence or a Daniel’s Law child sexual offence while on bail.
Mr Hunt, who worked in child protection during his policing career, said the reforms reinforced the importance of protecting children and giving families the knowledge to recognise unsafe situations.
He also reflected on his personal involvement with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s child safety education programs. “About 10 years ago, during my time as a police officer, I had the privilege of presenting the very first online edition of Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson, appearing alongside Bruce and Denise Morcombe in the video," Mr Hunt said.
“It’s something I remain incredibly proud of, and it’s wonderful to see this powerful initiative continue to equip children, families and educators with the knowledge and tools to help keep kids safe.”
The legislation coincides with Day for Daniel, which this year attracted registrations from more than 9000 schools, early learning centres, workplaces and community groups nationwide – the largest participation in its 22-year history.
Since Daniel’s Law, Queensland’s first public child sex offender register was launched on December 31, 2025, its website has recorded more than 425,000 visits and 48,000 locality search applications.
The Government has also committed $1.5 million over three years to support the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s child safety education programs.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie, a former Child Protection Detective on the Sunshine Coast, said the Government delivered tougher bail reform and the State's first public child sex offender register, to ensure parents and caregivers were armed with the information they need to make kids safer.
"I'm honoured to launch Australia's Biggest Child Safety Lesson for 2026 on such an important day for the Morcombe family – Day for Daniel – as we continue to deliver nation-leading child safety reforms in Queensland after Labor failed to act.
"Every child deserves to be safe whether they are at home, school, in the community or online and I want to thank Bruce and Denise Morcombe for the incredible work they do to prevent other families from being destroyed by the worst of the worst."
Mr Hunt praised Bruce and Denise Morcombe for their continuing commitment to protecting children following the murder of their son Daniel.
“Daniel’s legacy continues to have a profound impact on our community here on the Coast – and across the nation. Bruce and Denise have shown extraordinary dedication in turning their personal tragedy into a legacy that helps protect other children and families.”
Denise Morcombe said the Daniel Morcombe Foundation was committed to developing child safety resources for parents, caregivers and teachers.
"This is our son’s legacy making a profound difference," Mrs Morcombe said. "Our message to children and young people is a simple one: If someone is harming you now or has harmed you in the past, please speak out. It is never ever your fault. You will be believed and you will be cared for.”
Walk for Daniel takes a new path
After 21 years as a much-loved Palmwoods tradition, the annual Walk for Daniel will take on a new format this year, with the event going national through a partnership with parkrun Australia.
The inaugural “Parkwalk for Daniel” will be held tomorrow (Saturday, October 31), with walkers, runners and volunteers encouraged to wear red in honour of Daniel Morcombe and to promote child safety.
The change marks a new chapter for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, with the traditional Palmwoods walk paused.
By joining forces with Parkrun Australia, the Foundation aims to take Daniel’s child safety message to communities across the country.
The family-friendly initiative encourages people of all ages and fitness levels to participate in their local parkrun or parkwalk while taking a visible stand for child safety.
The Foundation thanked the Palmwoods community for its longstanding support of the original Walk for Daniel, which helped build the event into an important part of Daniel’s enduring legacy.