Child Safety Information

The North Queensland Touch Association Inc. is dedicated to providing a safe environment for all our young participants, and we take this very seriously.

Under Queensland Government laws, volunteers that work with children are required to possess a current/active "Working With Children check" through the QLD Governments Blue Card Services department.

In general, you will be required to hold a current Blue Card if you are involved in junior sport, but there are some exemptions to this requirement.

No Card, No Start - Blue Card changes you need to know

 There are changes coming to Blue Cards in Queensland, the message is simple and clear - No Card? No Start.  These changes will affect applicants, cardholders and organisations.  

Further information regarding the upcoming changes to the blue card system which will start on 31 August 2020 can be found here.

  • the No Card, No Start law—you cannot work or volunteer in a position requiring a blue card until your application is approved
  • a new rule for expiring cards—if you don't renew by the expiry date, you will be subject to the No Card, No Start law and cannot work
  • a requirement to notify us about changes in your police information as a card holder or applicant
  • stricter requirements for people who rely on an exemption to work or volunteer with children—through the introduction of the terms restricted person and restricted employment, and associated offences
  • a new frequency test—if you only work 7 or fewer days in a calendar year, a blue card may not be required. This does not apply if you operate a business
  • an expiry date for exemption cards for Queensland police and teachers, so they will need to be renewed if still required.

 (Summary of changes available here: https://www.qld.gov.au/law/laws-regulated-industries-and-accountability/queensland-laws-and-regulations/regulated-industries-and-licensing/blue-card/system/review/summary)

 Please make sure you take 30 minutes of your day to review https://www.qld.gov.au/law/laws-regulated-industries-and-accountability/queensland-laws-and-regulations/regulated-industries-and-licensing/blue-card-system-changes and its subsequent pages, so make sure you are aware of the coming changes ahead of time, and are able to complete any required steps for your club (particularly with the new online Organisation Portal, and the Changes for organisations).

Important:  If you have a paid blue card application in progress when the new laws start, you can continue working while your application is assessed.