Change or finish child-related work
If you are a blue card holder, Blue Card Services must be informed when there are changes to your child-related work status.
Below you will find instructions on how to advise us of these changes if you are an individual starting, changing or finishing child-related work.
Starting with a new employer
You must tell us when you start working with a new employer by completing and submitting the Link a person to your organisation form.
Alternatively, organisations using the Organisation Portal can link you online—please discuss this option with your employer.
Disability worker screening
Application forms vary for people working in disability services.
Volunteer blue card holders who require both a paid blue card and a disability worker screening clearance should apply online for a combined application through Disability Worker Screening.
Existing disability worker screening clearance holders who require a paid blue card must complete the:
- Blue card application or renewal for disability service workers (DWS) or
- Exemption card application or renewal for disability service workers (DWS/E).
Find out more about disability worker requirements.
Finishing with an employer
If you stop working with your employer, you need to complete and submit the No longer with organisation (for applicants/card holders) form.
If you are self-employed and stop operating your child-related business, you need to complete and submit the Cease business/self-employed child-related activity form.
Cancelling your card
If you are no longer working in child-regulated employment, you don’t need to cancel your card. If you want to cancel your card you can do this using the online applicant portal or by completing and submitting the Request to cancel card form.
If you cancel your card and need a card again in the future, you will need to re-apply and pay the fee.
Transferring from a volunteer to paid card holder
If you are an existing volunteer card holder and intend to start in a paid child-related role or business, you need to transfer your existing volunteer card to a paid card as you can’t use this card for paid work with children.
Watch our Transferring from volunteer to paid work video.
You can complete your application to transfer to a paid card using the online applicant portal and pay the fee. This is the fastest way to apply.
Watch our How to submit a volunteer to paid application using the online applicant portal video.
If you can’t access the online applicant portal you need to complete and submit a:
Processing and approval times are longer for paper applications.
You can start paid work or your child-related business once the application to transfer to a paid card has been paid for and submitted. You don’t need to hold the physical card prior to commencing employment.
As long as there has not been a change to your eligibility we will issue you with a paid blue card. Your paid card can be used for any other regulated child-related work, whether paid or unpaid.
Your volunteer card will be deactivated once your paid card is issued—you must destroy your volunteer card after you receive your paid card.
If you are starting in paid work your employer must notify us by linking you to their organisation.
Starting a business
If you already hold a paid blue or exemption card and start a regulated child-related business, you need to complete and submit a Notification of change for self-employed persons form.
As long as there has not been a change to your eligibility, we may issue you a new card.
You will also need to develop and implement a child and youth risk management strategy.
Carrying your blue or exemption card
Under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000, you do not need to carry your blue or exemption card with you while working. Your employer will still need to link you to their organisation before you start working.