How to get a Blue Card in Australia

If you want to work in Australia, you need to know that some jobs will require you to have a certificate. If you’re planning to work or volunteer with children in Queensland, obtaining a Blue Card is essential. This certification ensures that you have passed a screening process, demonstrating that you are suitable to work with children. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a Blue Card in Queensland.

What is the Blue Card?

A Blue Card is an official document issued by the Queensland Government that verifies an individual has undergone a detailed background check and is cleared to work or volunteer with children. The process is managed by Blue Card Services, part of the Queensland Government’s Department of Justice and Attorney-General.

Who needs a Blue Card?

You will need a Blue Card if you are:

• Working or volunteering in a child-related role in Queensland.
• Working in education, child care, health services, religious organizations, sports, and cultural activities involving children.
• Living with a foster or kinship carer, or providing accommodation services for children.

Common jobs that require a Blue Card include babysitters, teachers, athletic trainers, social workers, psychologists, and doctors. If you need a Blue Card for your job, you’ll have to get it before you start working.

For more detailed information, see the Queensland Government Website.

Steps to obtain a Blue Card

Determine Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet the following criteria:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You should not have been convicted of a disqualifying offense.
• You must be able to provide proof of identity.

Create a CRN

The process of applying for a Blue Card in Queensland comprises the following steps:

1. First you need a customer reference number (CRN) from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) in Queensland. If you don’t have one you will have to get a CRN from a TMR service centre.
2. Once you have your CRN you can register for an online account to apply for your Blue Card on the Queensland Government website.

Complete the Application Form

You can apply for a Blue Card by completing the relevant application form. There are different forms for paid employees, volunteers, and business operators. You can download the forms from the Blue Card Services website.

• For Paid Employees: Use the “Blue Card Application” form.
• For Volunteers: Use the “Volunteer Blue Card Application” form.
• For Business Operators: Use the “Business Blue Card Application” form.

You will need to provide proof of your identity with your application. This typically includes:

• A certified copy of your passport or driver’s license.
• Additional documents as specified in the application form, such as a birth certificate or a Medicare card.

Wait for the screening process

Once your application is submitted, Blue Card Services will conduct a comprehensive screening process. This includes checking your national criminal history, disciplinary information, and other relevant information. The processing time can vary, but it typically takes around 28 business days. If you intend to find a job in this field, you should prepare in advance.

Maintain and renew Your Blue Card

To maintain your Blue Card, you must:

• Keep your contact details up to date with Blue Card Services.
• Renew your Blue Card before it expires. Blue Card Services will send you a reminder about six months before your card expires.

Your Blue Card is valid for three years and you need to renew each card before it expires. The Blue Card renewal process works similarly to the initial application process and should be done several weeks before the card’s expiry date. You will have to pay the application fee again if you are not exempt.

If your Blue Card has been lost or stolen, you will need to apply for a replacement with a replacement blue/exemption card form. You must apply within 14 days of the loss or theft.

Key Points to remember

• Transferability: If you change jobs or volunteer positions, your Blue Card remains valid as long as it is not expired. You must, however, inform Blue Card Services of any changes in your employment or volunteering circumstances.
• No Card, No Start: In Queensland, you must have a valid Blue Card before you can start working or volunteering with children. There are strict penalties for working with children without a valid Blue Card.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Blue Card holders are continuously monitored for any new police or disciplinary information that may affect their eligibility to work with children.

Does the Blue Card exists in other states ?

Other states in Australia have similar background checks to the Blue Card system in Queensland. However, these checks are not recognised in Queensland. This means that if you are looking to work with children in Queensland you will need a Blue Card, even if you previously held a similar role in another Australian state.

To check if your Blue Card is valid in another Australian state, see the regulations for the respective state or territory.

It is important to note that the Blue Card is not a 100% guarantee that the holder has never engaged in misbehaviour towards children. However, it is way for employers and parents to know that the person working with their children has passed a criminal background check.