Queensland’s new child safeguarding law

Queensland’s new child safeguarding law—the Child Safe Organisations Act—commenced on 1 October 2025. It is designed to protect children from harm whenever they engage with businesses and organisations across the state.

Under this new legislation, all businesses and organisations that work with children, or provide services or spaces for them, must introduce 10 Child Safe Standards. In addition, some organisations will also be required to implement a Reportable Conduct Scheme.

Together, these initiatives aim to create environments that prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children.
The Child Safe Standards focus on prevention—helping organisations build cultures that minimise risks to children.
Meanwhile, the Reportable Conduct Scheme ensures that any allegations of abuse or misconduct by staff or volunteers are properly reported, investigated, and addressed.

Importantly, these two elements work hand in hand: while the Standards aim to prevent harm, the Reportable Conduct Scheme provides a framework to respond effectively if harm or misconduct occurs.

Recent amendments to the Act have brought forward the start date of the Reportable Conduct Scheme. As a result, it will now commence for all reporting entities on 1 July 2026.