Queensland’s landmark Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 has officially come into force, ushering in a new era of child protection across the state. This legislation represents the most significant reform in child safeguarding in Queensland’s history, impacting over 40,000 organisations that work with or provide services to children.
What Does the Act Require?
Under the new law, organisations deemed “child safe entities” must:
- Implement 10 Child Safe Standards, which cover leadership, governance, cultural safety, complaint handling, staff training, and more.
- Embed the Universal Principle, ensuring culturally safe environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
- Participate in the Reportable Conduct Scheme, which mandates systems for reporting and investigating allegations of child abuse or misconduct by staff and volunteers of child safe entities.
The meaning of “child safe entity” is broad, and will encompass any entity which provides services specifically for children or facilities for the use of children under the supervision of the entity. If you’re unsure whether your organisation is a child safe entity, please reach out to us for further advice.
Who Is Affected?
The rollout of obligations under the Act is phased to allow organisations time to prepare.
Implementation of the child safe standards commences from 1 October 2025:
- Phase 1 (Oct 2025): Child protection services, disability services, justice/detention services, and government bodies.
- Phase 2 (Jan 2026): Education, health, early childhood, and community services.
- Phase 3 (Apr 2026): Commercial services for children, transport, religious bodies, and other child-focused activities
The reportable conduct scheme will be phased in from 1 July 2026:
- Phase 1 (July 2026): Child protection services, disability services, justice/detention services, and government bodies.
- Phase 2 (Jan 2027): Education, health, early childhood, and community services.
- Phase 3 (Jul 2027): Commercial services for children, transport, religious bodies, and other child-focused activities
Support and Resources
To assist organisations in meeting these new obligations, the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) has released:
- Comprehensive Guidelines explaining each child safe standard and how to implement them.
- A Self-Assessment Tool to help organisations evaluate their readiness and identify areas for improvement
These resources are available at www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/resources.
More resources will be released by the QFCC as the implementation timeframes for the reportable conduct scheme draws closer.
Need Help?
If your organisation works with children and you’re unsure how these changes affect you – or if you want to ensure your policies and practices are compliant – we’re here to help. Reach out to our team for tailored advice and support. Let’s work together to build a safer Queensland for all children.
Please don’t hesitate to contact our office on 1300-VOC-LAW / 1300-862-529 or email: enquiry@vocarelaw.com.au
This article was written by Jessica Lipsett
**The information contained herein does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice and is for general informational purposes only.
