If you work or volunteer with kids in Queensland we've got some news.
From 31 August 2020 the Queensland Government will make changes to the blue card system.
To make it better. Better for you. Better for our kids.
These changes include new laws that will apply to organisations, paid workers, business operators and volunteers.
This video will give you an overview of the key changes.
We have developed further videos that explain each of the key changes in more
details which will be available at a later date
To apply for a blue card, you will need a Customer Reference Number from the Department of Transport and Main Roads. It's the number on your driver's licence, photo identity card or proof of age card. We will use this photo on your blue card
You'll be able to apply or renew your blue card online. This will mean a faster approval time for most applicants
The new system also includes No card, No Start laws which means you must have a
valid blue card before you start work. You'll be able to apply for a blue card before you get a job. This means you can be job-ready. Volunteers and students will need to be linked to an organisation to get a blue card for free.
Queensland police and teachers registered in Queensland will have a three-year expiry date on their exemption cards. All cardholders will need to renew their blue card before it expires to continue working with kids.
A new frequency test will apply to paid employees, volunteers and students. This will mean that 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 will need to check a card holder's id and link them to their organisation before they can start work. Card holders will need to tell us when there is a change in their police information.
There will be changes to who can rely on an exemption to work with kids. There will be new offences and penalties for individuals and organisations who do not comply with the new laws.
To support these changes, 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.