Australian Lawyers Alliance calls for urgent action to fix Blue Card system

Urgent action is needed to tighten both the Queensland Blue Card system and the regulation of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) has said.

“The recent arrest of a former childcare worker for the alleged sexual abuse of almost 100 children at various childcare centres in Brisbane and Sydney is horrifying and has made it clear there is more that still needs to be done to protect children,” said Sarah Grace, ALA Queensland President.

“National coordination is needed, and we support calls for relevant federal, state and territory ministers whose portfolios relate to children’s health and safety to meet urgently to discuss tightening regulation across Australia, including ensuring full implementation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Response to Child Sexual Abuse recommendations from 2017.”

Ms Grace said there are recommendations from the Royal Commission and the review of the Blue Card system in Queensland that still have not been implemented several years later.

“The establishment of a reportable conduct scheme and the implementation of Child Safety Principles are two examples of Royal Commission recommendations that have not been implemented yet in Queensland, despite developments in other jurisdictions,” she said.

“We cannot lose sight of the importance of implementing the recommendations from these investigations.” 

“Since the Royal Commission into Institutional Response to Child Sexual Abuse we have learnt a lot about child protection and many changes have occurred, but these incidents will still occur when there are gaps in processes and we can’t accept that.

“The circumstances that allowed the alleged crime to happen need urgent action – action by the childcare facilities involved, by the government and by every organisation engaged in the protection of children and young people.”