Queensland Consolidated Acts

CRIMINAL CODE 1899 - SECT 364

364 Cruelty to children under 16

(1) A person who, having the lawful care or charge of a child under 16 years, causes harm to the child by any prescribed conduct that the person knew or ought reasonably to have known would be likely to cause harm to the child commits a crime.

Penalty—

Maximum penalty—7 years imprisonment.

(2) In this section—

"harm" , to a child, means any detrimental effect of a significant nature on the child’s physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing, whether temporary or permanent.

"prescribed conduct" means—

(a) failing to provide the child with adequate food, clothing, medical treatment, accommodation or care when it is available to the person from his or her own resources; or

(b) failing to take all lawful steps to obtain adequate food, clothing, medical treatment, accommodation or care when it is not available to the person from his or her own resources; or

(c) deserting the child; or

(d) leaving the child without means of support.