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The changes to the blue card system started on 31 August 2020. These changes affect applicants, card holders and organisations.
Important: If you had a paid blue card application in progress when the new laws started, you can continue working while your application is assessed.
The changes include:
- the No Card, No Start law —you cannot work or volunteer in a position requiring a blue card until your application is approved
- a new rule for expiring cards —if you don’t renew by the expiry date, you will be subject to the No Card, No Start law and cannot work
- a requirement to notify us about changes in your police information as a cardholder or applicant
- stricter requirements for people who rely on an exemption to work or volunteer with children—through the introduction of the terms restricted person and restricted employment, and associated offences
- a new frequency test —if you only work 7 or fewer days in a calendar year, a blue card may not be required. This does not apply if you operate a business
- an expiry date for exemption cards for Queensland police and teachers, so they will need to be renewed if still required.