Penalties for organisations under the blue card system
This page explains the offences and penalties that may apply if your organisation or business does not follow the rules.
This information is for organisations and businesses.
If you are an individual, see the information for individual blue card holders or applicants.
From 1 July 2026, 1 penalty unit is $172.70.
Running a regulated business
You must hold a current blue card or exemption card application in progress to run a regulated business.
Maximum penalty: $86,350.00 (500 penalty units) or 5 years in prison.
Tell us about business changes
You must tell Blue Card Services within 7 days if you:
- start operating another regulated business
- stop operating a regulated business.
Maximum penalty: $1,727.00 (10 penalty units).
Giving information to Blue Card Services
Providing requested information
You must provide information if Blue Card Services gives you an information requirement notice.
Maximum penalty: $8,635.00 (50 penalty units).
Keeping an employee register
You must keep an employee register of everyone who works or volunteer in regulated employment.
For each worker or volunteer, record their:
- name
- date of birth
- whether they need a blue card or exemption card
If they hold a blue card or exemption card, also record their:
- application status
- card number
- card expiry date.
If they do not need a blue card or exemption card, record why they are exempt. For example, if they:
- work in regulated employment
- work under restricted employment exemption
- are exempt because of their profession.
Maximum penalty: $8,635.00 (50 penalty units).
Employing workers
Before a worker starts
Before a paid worker, volunteer or trainee student starts regulated work, they must either:
- hold a current blue card
- have applied for an exemption card.
You must also link them to your organisation.
Maximum penalty: $34,540.00 (200 penalty units) or 2 years in prison.
Workers you must not employ
You must not employ:
- a disqualified person,
- a person with a negative notice
- a person whose blue card or exemption card is suspended.
Maximum penalty: $34,540.00 (200 penalty units) or 2 years in prison.
Restricted persons
You must not engage a restricted person in restricted employment.
Maximum penalty: $34,540.00 (200 penalty units) or 2 years in prison.
More information
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