QLD Reportable Conduct Scheme

What changed

All early childhood education and care services in Queensland are required to meet new standards for reporting and investigating allegations of concerning behaviour by workers or volunteers by 1 July 2026. This is a fast-tracked rollout announced by the Crisafulli Government, bringing Queensland's scheme into full operation 12 months ahead of the previous timeline.

The scheme is a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. It is established under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld), which commenced on 1 October 2025. Under this law, organisations working with children are required to introduce 10 Child Safe Standards and, where applicable, implement a Reportable Conduct Scheme.

What is reportable conduct

Reportable conduct includes:

• Sexual offences committed against, with or in the presence of a child
• Sexual misconduct committed against, with or in the presence of a child
• Assault of a child
• Ill-treatment or neglect of a child
• Behaviour that causes significant emotional or psychological harm to a child

The scheme applies to conduct by employees, volunteers and certain contractors working with children at the service.

What providers must do when an allegation is raised

When a concern or allegation is raised, workers must notify the head of their organisation. The head of the organisation must then:

• Commence an internal investigation as soon as practicable
• Notify the QFCC within three business days

Failure to notify can result in the head of the organisation receiving a financial penalty of $16,690 (100 penalty units), with details recorded on a public register.

The three business day notification window is tight. Your internal process must be in place before an incident occurs, not after.

What providers need to have in place before 1 July 2026

1. Appoint a responsible person. The head of organisation (Approved Provider, CEO or Principal Officer) is legally responsible for managing reports and QFCC notification. This cannot be delegated away entirely.
2. Review and update your child protection policy to include reportable conduct obligations under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024. Your existing policy may not cover the new scheme.
3. Train all staff and volunteers on what constitutes reportable conduct, how to identify it, and how to report it internally. Training records should be kept as evidence.
4. Establish an internal reporting pathway. Staff must know who to notify, the pathway must be documented, and it must be communicated clearly to everyone at the service.
5. Prepare your QFCC notification process. Know how to notify the QFCC before an incident arises. The three business day window leaves no time to figure this out after the fact.
6. Review your record-keeping systems. The scheme requires clear recording of reports received, investigations conducted, risk management actions taken and outcomes reached.

Who is the responsible head of organisation

The head of organisation is typically the Approved Provider, CEO, Principal Officer or equivalent senior leader. This person bears the legal responsibility for managing reports and notifying the QFCC. For multi-service providers, consider how this responsibility is allocated across your portfolio.

Official sources

• QFCC Reportable Conduct Scheme
• QFCC Guidelines for implementing the scheme (March 2026)
• Queensland Government ministerial statement
• QFCC Child Safe Organisations hub

This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Providers should seek independent legal or compliance advice specific to their service and circumstances.