Queensland fast-tracks reportable conduct scheme and strengthens rest period protections

The Queensland Government has announced the accelerated implementation of a Reportable Conduct Scheme and enhanced rest period conditions for early childhood services, in a move designed to deliver stronger protections for children across the state.

Under the plan, all early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, as well as other child-facing organisations, will be required to meet new standards for reporting and investigating allegations of concerning behaviour by workers or volunteers by 1 July 2026.

This fast-tracked rollout, announced by the Crisafulli Government, will bring Queensland’s scheme into full operation 12 months ahead of the previous timeline, with independent oversight provided by the Queensland Family and Child Commission.

The initiative responds to longstanding calls for greater accountability and transparency in child-facing sectors and seeks to address gaps in previous child protection responses.

In addition to the new scheme, amendments to the Education and Care Services National Law (Queensland) Act 2011 and the Education and Care Services Act 2013 will mandate consistent staffing ratios during rest periods in ECEC settings.

The change means services will be required to uphold the same educator-to-child ratios during sleep times as during other parts of the day, an adjustment aimed at increasing visibility and reducing risk.

Queensland Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the changes are about protecting Queensland’s most vulnerable.  

Minister for Child Safety Amanda Camm emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening protections across all child environments, including early learning centres, residential care and family homes.

“We are making Queensland safer by fast-tracking bolstered protections for Queensland’s most vulnerable”

The Department of Education will collaborate with the sector to implement the reforms, with full enforcement scheduled for early 2026.

These measures follow a broader commitment by the Crisafulli Government to rebuild confidence in Queensland’s child protection framework, citing the need to implement overdue recommendations from prior system reviews.

For more information, visit: www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/reportable-conduct-scheme