Mason's Law a step closer in Qld

A new law forcing childcare workers to report suspected abuse is a step closer in Queensland.

A parliamentary committee has recommended "Mason's Law" be passed to extend mandatory reporting obligations to those in the early childhood education sector from July 1 next year.

But the Liberal National Party is disappointed the changes will occur six months later than it had wanted and has urged the Labor government to commit to passing the laws immediately.

It can't come soon enough for the grandparents of murdered Townsville toddler Mason Parker who have been campaigning for the changes after the death of the 16-month-old in 2011.

Childcare workers had taken photos of bruising on the boy's body but did not alert authorities.

Days later he was murdered by his mother's partner, Troy William Reed, who is serving at least 15 years in jail for the crime.

During his trial, the Cairns Supreme Court heard how the toddler suffered a skull fracture, more than 50 bruises, internal injuries and a ruptured bowel.

Mason's grandparents, John and Sue Sandeman, vowed to challenge the state government until mandatory reporting of abuse was extended to the childhood education sector.

LNP MP Tracy Davis introduced the Mason's Law amendment bill into parliament in March.

Ms Davis said introducing mandatory reporting would provide extra protection for vulnerable children.

She said the thought of Mason's treatment not being reported was devastating.

"This is about making sure that a little boy who lost his life - that is not repeated for any child in Queensland," she said on Wednesday.

But Ms Davis was disappointed the parliamentary committee had recommended the bill be passed subject to the commencement date being pushed back six months.

"This government, asleep at the wheel, sat on a report and then chose not to respond to the report quickly," she said.

Childcare sector representatives had told the parliamentary committee introducing mandatory reporting on January 1 would not allow enough time to train staff.