A woman and her children have been forced to flee their home after the Queensland Department of Child Safety unwittingly sent their address to her allegedly violent ex-partner.
Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman said it was a devastating mistake that should never have happened.
She said the department's director-general had personally apologised for the "unacceptable error" and the State Government was helping the family move and would pay for all costs.
The family's details, including the school the children attended and the sports they played, were included in correspondence sent to the former partner, who is on remand for allegedly torturing, strangling and assaulting her.
"An incorrect version of a document containing confidential information was sent in error," she said.
"It is totally unacceptable and I expect much, much better.
"This was a serious and devastating mistake."
The matter has been referred to the Ethical Standards Unit for investigation.
An error 'which could happen anywhere'
Domestic violence victim support group DVConnect said the family is now being taken care of by the department.
Chief executive Diane Mangan said the mistake could have had tragic consequences.
"This would be very unusual for the department to make this mistake because they are in the world of protecting children and keeping them safe," she said.
"I don't know how that happened … it's an error that could happen anywhere.
"We're just pleased that all of us were able to act before he was released."
'Breach of trust'
Opposition child safety spokeswoman Ros Bates said the system had failed yet another Queensland family.
"[It] absolutely beggars belief that anyone would think it's OK to reveal the school and sporting details of kids to an alleged offender on remand for torturing their own mother," she said.
"Victims of domestic violence need to have confidence the system will protect them and not leave them exposed.
"This is another complete breach of trust by Labor's child safety system that has effectively retraumatised a victim of alleged brutal domestic violence."
