The blue card system has changed to strengthen safeguards for children in Queensland.
There have been changes to the Volunteer Parent Exemption.
The Volunteer Parent Exemption now states that:
From 20 September 2025, parents volunteering for an activity their child participates in generally will not need a blue card.
It will not apply to parents volunteering for activities not involving their own child; overnight excursions or camps; if their volunteering includes close personal contact with another child; or if the parent is a restricted person.
If you are a parent and have been relying on the volunteer parent exemption for any activities not covered by the new exemption rules, you must obtain a blue card that is linked to your organisation by 20 September 2025. If you do not, you cannot continue in regulated activities.
Learn more about the volunteer parent exemption.
What does this mean for tuckshop volunteers?
Under the parent volunteer exemption, parents do not need a blue card to volunteer for activities their own child is participating in.
This includes parents volunteering in the tuckshop at the school that their child/children attend.
Other relatives (such as grandparents and uncle and aunts) are not considered parents and are not afforded the volunteer parent exemption.
NOTE: The blue card system is regulated by the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (the Act). You should always consider seeking independent legal advice to ensure compliance with the Act.
