The Queensland Government has announced important changes to the blue card system which will come into effect on Monday, 31 August.
It is vital that all Queensland clubs and organisations understand and implement these changes.
Please note a specific change regarding the No Card, No Start laws – from 31 August 2020, anyone working or volunteering with children in your organisation must hold a valid blue card before they begin work.
Below is an overview of the upcoming changes to the blue card system.
Restricted Person, Restricted Employment
There are certain exemptions which allow people to work or volunteer with children without requiring a blue card. For example, a parent who volunteers as a coach at their child’s sporting club.
To further strengthen the blue card system, the Queensland Government is introducing two new terms – ‘restricted person’ and ‘restricted employment’, as well as new offences.
These changes mean that people considered to be a ‘restricted person’ will not be able to rely on an exemption to work or volunteer with children.
New Forms and Fees
From Monday, 31 August 2020, you will be able to apply for and renew your blue or exemption card using the online applicant portal. New paper forms will be available to download and print from the Queensland Government website.
From 31 August 2020, the existing forms which have an expiry date of 31 March 2020 cannot be accepted.
New fees will also apply from 31 August 2020.
- Standard application fee will be $93.95
- Replacement card fee will be $14.20
No Card, No Start for Individuals
From 31 August 2020, you will be able to apply for and renew you blue card online. For applicants with no police information, an online application should be processed in about 5 business days.
When you start working or volunteering with an employer, you will need to show them your blue card so they can link you with their organisation.
No Card, No Start for Organisations
From 31 August 2020, anyone working or volunteering with children in your organisation must hold a valid blue card before they begin work – encourage any new employees or volunteers to apply online to ensure that they use the correct form, which will be available online from 31 August.
Under the new laws, organisations must ensure that all employees and volunteer are linked to their organisation before they start working with children.
Organisations will be able to link applicants using the Organisation Portal. If your organisation is not using the Organisation Portal, applicants will need to be linked using the paper form.
How do I get my photo and ID sorted?
From 31 August, photos will be put on blue cards. When applying, you’ll need a Customer Reference Number (CRN) from the Department of Transport and Main Roads. A CRN is the number on your driver licence, photo identity card or boat licence.
The photo linked to your CRN will be used for your blue card.
If you don’t have a CRN, click here for more information on blue cards.
Resources
Click here for some resources to help you prepare for these changes.
If you need more information, Blue Card Services staff are available to answer questions between 8am and 5pm on weekdays.
Phone 1800 113 611 or 3211 6999 or email info@bluecard.qld.gov.au
