Important changes to QLD Child Protection framework to commence 31 August

Queenslanders seeking work that will bring them into contact with children will no longer be able to commence employment while their application for a Blue Card, as the child protection check is known in Queensland, is pending, effective 31 August 2020. 

Those who have applied for a Blue Card must wait until their check is fully processed, and their blue card issued, before they are able to commence voluntary or paid work with the commencement of the No Card, No Start policy.

The measure, Queensland Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said, is ”aimed squarely at protecting Queensland kids from harm”.

Anyone who is found to start or continue in regulated employment without a Blue Card could face a five-year jail term, in certain circumstances, she added.

No Card, No Start will bring paid employees into line with volunteers and business operators, preventing someone from employing a person in child-related employment unless the person holds a working with children clearance.

The employer must also notify the chief executive about the employment or proposed employment of the person. All existing Blue Card applicants will continue to be monitored daily as their applications are processed, Ms D’Ath said. 

“Employers have a legal obligation to take measures to ensure the safety of children coming into contact with Blue Card applicants,” she added.

“No Card, No Start will raise the bar even higher in a sign of our determination to do everything possible to protect Queensland kids.

The Queensland Government has committed $17 million over the next three years to modernise the Blue Card System. More information is available here.