Queensland solicitors, legal support staff and law practice leaders who provide child-related legal support services are being urged to review their blue card obligations before the transition period ends on Sunday, 20 September 2026.
The reforms, introduced in 2025, removed the blue card exemption previously available to lawyers and legal support staff providing these services.
The changes form part of broader reforms to Queensland’s blue card framework, which expanded screening requirements across a range of professions and sectors working with children. The reforms are designed to strengthen safeguards for children and improve consistency across Queensland’s screening system.
The changes may apply to lawyers, legal support staff, sole practitioners and legal practices providing child-related legal support services. In some instances, obligations may also extend to business owners, executives and operators of legal practices. Firms may have record-keeping obligations relating to employees engaged in regulated employment.
From 20 September 2026, lawyers and legal support staff who require a blue card must hold one before continuing to provide child-related legal support services.
Queensland Law Society President Peter Jolly said the approaching deadline was an important reminder for both practitioners and law practices to ensure they understood their obligations.
“With the transition period ending on 20 September 2026, practitioners who provide child-related legal support services should review their circumstances and ensure they have taken any necessary steps to meet the blue card requirements,” Mr Jolly said.
“While many affected practitioners may already have applied, law practices should also take the opportunity to consider whether any obligations apply to business owners, executives, support staff and business operations.”
Key dates and obligations
- Lawyers and legal support staff who commenced providing child-related legal support services after 20 September 2025 are required to hold a blue card before undertaking that work.
- Lawyers and legal support staff who were already providing those services before 20 September 2025 were granted a 12-month transition period to apply for a blue card.
- The transition period ends on 20 September 2026.
Practitioners and law practices should review the requirements to determine whether blue card obligations apply to their roles, staff members or business operations.
Further information
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