Queensland suspends 39 working-with-children clearances in two months

A Queensland man accused of grooming a girl while working at accommodation for teenagers has had his working-with-children clearance suspended, after the state's new reporting system uncovered further allegations involving two other young people.

Queensland Family and Child Commissioner Luke Twyford said the man was among 39 people whose blue cards had been suspended in the two months since the reportable conduct scheme began on July 1. The man left his job after the initial allegation was raised with the Queensland Family and Child Commission, Mr Twyford said, "seeking to avoid detection and sought employment elsewhere".

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seeking to avoid detection and sought employment elsewhere

The organisation continued investigating the allegation. During that inquiry, two more young people alleged grooming behaviour. The information was shared with Queensland Police and the Blue Card system, preventing the man from starting his new job, Mr Twyford said.

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an inadequate way to protect our children

The scheme received 666 complaints, Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said at the start of Child Protection Week. About 200 matters involving alleged criminal conduct went to police, while 572 cases were being monitored. Notifications included alleged child ill-treatment, physical violence and sexual misconduct.

Mr Twyford said authorities had previously relied too heavily on the criminal threshold, which he called "an inadequate way to protect our children". He stressed that a complaint did not automatically lead to a blue-card suspension, because authorities often needed further information and investigation. The reportable conduct scheme and blue card system are due to become part of the Queensland Protection Commission next year.

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This is about a mature, graduated system where we see risk to children holistically, we share information holistically, and we all work together to keep Queensland children safe