Interstate working with children checks

Working with children checks are managed separately by each Australian state and territory.

Queensland does not recognise working with children checks issued by another state or territory.

Using another state or territory's check in Queensland

If you hold a working with children check from another state or territory and want to work or volunteer with children in Queensland, you may still need to apply for a blue card.

Whether you need a blue card depends on:

• the environment where the work is performed
• the type of work
• whether an exemption applies.

Organisations that receive state or federal Australian Government funding may have additional screening requirements. However, funding arrangements do not automatically mean that everyone in an organisation needs a blue card.

Blue cards are issued under Queensland legislation to promote and protect the rights, interests, and wellbeing of children. This is achieved through screening people working in regulated employment or business and requiring organisations to meet their obligations.

This means we have different rules and requirements for working with children than the other states.

Adverse interstate working with children check

If you have previously applied for a working with children check in another state or territory and your application was refused, you are considered a restricted person.

Restricted persons cannot:

• apply for a blue card
• hold a blue card
• rely on an exemption to work or volunteer with children

unless the decision has been overturned.

If your application was refused, contact the relevant state or territory screening authority to discuss your options for review or appeal.

Using another state or territory's check in Queensland