Blue Card changes must be debated today

The LNP is calling on Annastacia Palaszczuk to guarantee that changes to Blue Card laws are debated and passed in the Queensland Parliament today.

Shadow Attorney-General David Janetzki said that Labor were more concerned about saving face, instead of protecting Queensland kids.

“Last night we saw Annastacia Palaszczuk delay critical laws to close blue card loopholes,” Mr. Janetzki said.

“We have offered carefully prepared amendments to fix Labor’s laws and protect kids.

“If needed, the Parliament should sit today for as long as it takes to get the blue card laws right.

“MPs shouldn’t be going home until these laws are passed today.

“The LNP flagged sensible amendments weeks ago and Labor have been briefed on our proposals.

“Labor should work with the LNP to get the Blue Card laws right.

“Instead, Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath is more concerned about saving face.

“Labor should back the LNP amendments, fix the Blue Card laws and put Queensland children first.”

Background – the blue card changes were first recommended in a review that was handed down in July 2017. (https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/final_report_BC_review.pdf)

LNP amendments

The LNP will move four key amendments to Labor’s bill to:
1. Strengthen the blue card system by expanding the range of disqualifying offences;

The offences that are currently not disqualifying offences that the LNP will make disqualifying offences include:

• manslaughter (if the offence was committed against a child and was not a result of a motor vehicle accident) – section 300 Criminal Code
• choking, suffocation or strangulation in a domestic setting – 315A Criminal Code
• torture – section 320A Criminal Code
• cruelty to children under 16 – section 364 Criminal Code
• incest of an adult – section 222 Criminal Code
• attempt to commit rape of an adult – section 350 Criminal Code
• assault with intent to commit rape of an adult – section 351 Criminal Code
• sexual assault of an adult – section 352 Criminal Code

2. Prevent all disqualified persons from being eligible to apply for and hold a blue card;

The LNP’s amendments will remove the eligibility declaration to ensure that a disqualified person will never have the opportunity to work with children.

3. Establish a new framework that applies to blue card applicants and holders charged or convicted of a serious offence;
The LNP will ensure that a person who holds a blue card will have their blue card suspended if charged with a serious offence. A person’s application will also not be considered while a charge for a serious offence is pending against the person or if the person has been convicted of a serious offence.

4. Broaden the scope of criminal history disclosure and criminal history checks.

The LNP will ensure blue card services consider applicants’ international criminal histories prior to obtaining a blue card.