If you work or volunteer with kids in Queensland, there is important information you need to know.
On 31 August 2020, the Queensland Government made changes to the blue card system.
To make it better. Better for you, better for our kids.
These changes include new laws that apply to organisations, paid workers, business operators and volunteers.
This video gives an overview of the key changes. We have developed further videos that explain each of the key changes in more detail.
To apply for a blue card, you need a Customer Reference Number from the Department of Transport and Main Roads. It's the number on your driver's licence, marine licence or photo identification card. We use this photo on your blue card.
You can apply or renew your blue card online. This means a faster approval time for most applicants.
The No Card, No Start laws mean you must have a valid blue card before you start work.
You can apply for a blue card before you get a job. This means you can be job ready.
Volunteers and students need to be linked to an organisation to continue getting a blue card for free.
Queensland police and teachers registered in Queensland now have a three-year expiry date on their exemption cards.
All card holders must renew their blue card before it expires to continue working with kids.
The simplified frequency test applies to paid employees, volunteers and students. This means people working with kids for not more than seven days in a calendar year will not need a blue card. However, this does not apply to business operators as they will require a blue card.
Organisations must check a card holder's ID and link them to their organisation before they can start work.
Card holders must tell us when there is a change in their police information. There are stricter requirements for people who rely on an exemption to work or volunteer with children.
There are new offences and penalties for individuals and organisations who do not comply with the new laws.
We have introduced an online portal for organisations to help them manage their blue card holders and applicants.
By working together and knowing how these changes affect you, we can build a stronger blue card system and keep Queensland kids safe.
For more information about these changes you can visit our website, phone our call centre or you can send us an email.
