Education department completes probe into death of eight-year-old Clementine Wilkes, but questions remain

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek launched the review after Clementine and her mother, anaesthetist Tiffany Wilkes, were found dead at a luxury Brisbane Airbnb backing onto Mount Coot-tha Forest on September 29 last year. Police treat the deaths as a suspected murder-suicide.

Clementine, described as an excellent student, began missing days at Norman Park State School in 2024 before being withdrawn from mainstream education altogether in 2025. Questions persist over why she was never identified as a child at risk.

The ABC understands mechanisms have been introduced to improve monitoring of children who move from state schooling to homeschooling. However, the department has refused to elaborate further on the review's findings, stating only that "appropriate action" has been taken.

A decision on whether a coronial inquest will be held has not yet been made.

If you or anyone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The case exposes potential gaps in Queensland's system for safeguarding children who are withdrawn from mainstream schooling, particularly when attendance declines before the transition.
Public confidence in the education department's oversight of homeschooled children hinges on whether meaningful reforms are implemented and transparently reported.
The coronial investigation's outcome could prompt legislative changes or mandatory reporting requirements for schools.

Background

An eight-year-old girl, Clementine Wilkes, and her mother, Dr Tiffany Wilkes, a 54-year-old anaesthetist employed part-time by Queensland Health, died last September in a suspected murder-suicide at an Airbnb in Kenmore Hills, Brisbane. Clementine had been a high-performing student at Norman Park State School before her attendance dropped in 2024 and she was fully withdrawn from school in 2025. The tragedy prompted Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek to order a review of protection mechanisms for children with irregular attendance and those who are homeschooled.

Key Perspectives

[Queensland Department of Education]: The department has completed its internal review, implemented new mechanisms to track students moving from state schooling to homeschooling, and says "appropriate action" has been taken. It will not disclose further details while the coronial investigation is ongoing. [Child safety advocates]: They would likely argue that the lack of transparency undermines public trust and that without specific information about the new measures, it is impossible to assess whether systemic failures have been addressed. [The coroner]: The coronial investigation will determine the circumstances of the deaths and may make recommendations to prevent similar tragedies. A decision on whether to hold an inquest is pending.

What to Watch

Whether a coronial inquest is announced and what recommendations emerge.
The Queensland government's willingness to release the review's findings or a summary once legal proceedings allow.
Any new legislation or departmental guidelines around mandatory attendance monitoring for homeschooled children.

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