Millions of Aussies will soon be affected by sweeping reforms to Queensland’s blue card system amid a crackdown on childcare ‘predators’.
With the introduction of new legislation, more individuals in Queensland who work in child-associated sectors, such as entertainment venues, amusement parks, sports clubs, churches, educational facilities, and even those in legal professions, will be required to acquire a blue card.
These laws, effective from September 20, will also impose updated regulations on parent volunteers and introduce additional self-disclosure obligations.
A new criminal law will specifically target adults holding authoritative roles who participate in sexual activities with 16 or 17-year-olds under their care or supervision.
Even though these teenagers are at the legal age of consent, which is 16 in Queensland, the new legislation acknowledges the power dynamics at play and seeks to prevent exploitation.
Offenders could face up to 14 years in prison.
Furthermore, the existing law concerning ‘repeated sexual acts with a child’ will also extend to adults in authoritative positions over 16 and 17-year-olds, imposing a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Victims of sexual violence will also benefit from stronger protections.
The sentencing of Ashley Paul Griffith (pictured) prompted an overhaul of child safety laws
Deb Frecklington (pictured) said parents would have more confidence their children are safe
Under the reforms, non-contact orders will be extended from two to five years to better protect children.
Violating these provisions will now lead to more severe consequences, including imprisonment for up to three years or fines comparable to those for breaches of domestic and family violence orders.
Authorities will also be given new powers to act quickly when a child is at risk.
A suspension power will allow immediate action to be taken, preventing individuals from working with children while investigations are underway.
Transitional arrangements will be in place to give affected workers and organisations time to comply with the new requirements.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the reforms are designed to give parents greater confidence that their children are safe in the community.
‘These reforms mean that some people who were previously exempt may now be required to hold a blue card, but we make no apologies for doing whatever it takes to protect our kids,’ Frecklington said.
‘Parents want absolute confidence that everything possible is being done to keep their children safe when they drop them at sports clubs, birthday parties, or amusement parks.’
Workers in child-related roles including amusement parks, sports clubs, churches and more will be required to have a blue card in Queensland (stock)
Queensland’s Labor Opposition has supported the government’s new laws but criticised the government for failing to fully implement all 28 recommendations made by the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council (QSAC)
The recommendations stem from QSAC’s 2023 report, which followed a 19-month review into how offenders in sexual violence cases are sentenced in Queensland.
The report called for major reforms, including limiting the use of ‘good character’ evidence, recognising victim harm as a key factor in sentencing, and treating offences against children as aggravating circumstances.
The changes follow a series of disturbing child abuse cases that sent shockwaves around the nation and exposed critical gaps in Australia’s child safety systems.
Ashley Paul Griffith, described as one of Australia’s worst paedophiles, was sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to over 300 offences committed in childcare centres in Brisbane and Italy over nearly two decades.
His crimes prompted the Queensland Government to launch a full-scale review into the state’s child protection and blue card systems.
