As featured in the latest edition of Bowler Magazine
It is vital that bowls clubs offering juniors programs or other children’s facilities are doing so safely and lawfully. From 20 September 2025, Queensland’s blue card system under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (“the Act“) has updated the definition of Regulated Employment to include “engaging in decision-making in relation to children as a member of an executive committee“. This change means that anyone on the executive committee of your club or association must hold a valid blue card before they can lawfully continue in their role.
In this article, we discuss whether your club is subject to this new requirement, other key considerations for clubs offering children’s services, and penalties for non-compliance.
Blue Card Requirements for Executive Committee Members
Most people will be familiar with the requirement to have a working with children clearance (often referred to as a blue card) when working with children in regulated activities. Generally, clubs will be caught by this requirement if they provide services or conduct activities for children. This could include regularly hosting sports teams for training or competitions, children’s events and other activities. It also applies to clubs that provide child care (e.g. a supervised kids room).
The Act defines an ‘executive committee‘ as a group or body of people, by whatever name called, that manages the affairs of the club or association relating to children. This is a broad definition and applies to anyone involved in managing an organisation, including key decision makers that may not actually be on the management committee (e.g. the general manager or CEO).
If the blue card requirements apply to your club, it is strongly recommended that you identify each member of the executive committee and ensure they each have a valid blue card (if your club hasn’t already done so). Some people may be exempt from needing a blue card, and in this circumstance, an ‘exemption card’ would need to be applied for.
Other Key Considerations
Clubs offering child-related services or activities should also be aware of their obligations to maintain an Employee Register and a Child & Youth Risk Management Strategy.
The Employee Register must include the following details for all staff:
- name, date of birth, blue card number and expiry date;
- Information about any exemptions or restricted person status.
Your organisation must also implement a Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy that identifies potential risks of harm to children and young people, develops and implements strategies to mitigate these risks, and promotes a culture of safety and wellbeing within your service.
Penalties for non-compliance
Non-compliance can lead to hefty penalties including:
- $83,450.00 or five years’ imprisonment, or for owners/operators of a regulated business who do not hold a current blue card or exemption card;
- $3,338.00 for business owners or operators who fail to develop and implement a child youth risk management strategy and conduct annual reviews;
- $8,345.00 for failure to keep and maintain an employee register;
- $33,380.00 for employing workers without a blue card or exemption card, or for engaging a restricted person in restricted employment.
If you have any questions regarding your club’s compliance with blue card obligations and involvement in child-related activities or services, please don’t hesitate to contact our office on (07) 3224 0222 so we can assist you with this.
