The Crisafulli Government is delivering the strongest child protection system in the nation to help keep Queensland children safe by fast-tracking requirements for the early childhood sector to investigate and report suspicious conduct to deliver stronger protections for Queensland children.
The Reportable Conduct Scheme – a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse back in 2017 – is due to commence from 1 July 2026, with implementation over three stages from mid-2026 to mid-2027.
After failing to act for seven years, the former Labor Government planned to leave early childhood education, care and child-minding services to be the last sector to be included in the scheme.
The Crisafulli Government is accelerating these timeframes to require the early childhood sector to comply with the Reportable Conduct Scheme as soon as possible, from 1 July 2026, and boost protection for Queensland children.
Amendments will be brought to the Queensland Parliament in coming months to give effect to this change.
The scheme requires organisations to report and investigate concerns regarding the conduct of staff and volunteers in relation to their work with children.
Reportable conduct ranges from ill-treatment or significant neglect of a child, through to physical harm and sexual offences.
Where there are concerns the alleged conduct may constitute a criminal offence, the organisation must also promptly report the matter to the police.
The scheme will prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children by holding organisations accountable when concerns are raised regarding the behaviour of their employees, contractors, or volunteers.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the changes would deliver the protections needed to keep young Queensland children safe.
For more information visit: www.statements.qld.gov.au