Blue cards for the tourism industry
Under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000, some functions carried out in the tourism industry may fall within categories of regulated employment.
As of 20 September 2025, more people working closely with children in tourism-related roles may need to hold a blue card. The changes aim to strengthen safeguards and promote child safety across Queensland.
Who needs a blue card?
People currently working in the tourism industry may need a blue card if they provide services such as:
- Child-focused sport and recreation under sport, active recreation, gyms and play facilities
- Kids clubs or child-minding in hotels under childcare services
- Lifeguards for children’s pools or first aid under health, counselling and support services
With the expanded scope of the Act, additional roles now needing a blue card include:
- Amusement park staff (rides, entertainment, photography) under entertainment, beauty and photography services or sport, active recreation, gyms and play facilities.
- Children’s entertainers (face painters, DJs, wildlife presenters) under entertainment, beauty and photography services
- Child-focused photographers under entertainment, beauty and photography services
- Child accommodation providers (overnight camps, excursions) under child accommodation services
Amusement Parks
A blue card is needed if you:
- Supervise or operate rides for children
- Perform in children’s shows or as costumed characters
- Photograph children (parties, school groups)
- Host children’s parties
- A blue card is not needed for:
- Food service, equipment setup, or maintenance with no child contact.
Learn more about blue cards for amusement parks and arcades.
Children’s Entertainment and photography
A blue card is needed if you provide:
- Face painting, balloon artistry, magic shows
- DJs for school events
- Wildlife encounters for school groups
- Events where children are the primary subjects
- Kids’ clubs, birthday parties, school tours
Learn more about blue cards for entertainment, beauty and photography services.
Child Accommodation Services
A blue card is needed if you provide:
- Overnight camps for children
- child-focused tours or excursions
A blue card is not needed for:
- Tradespeople, chefs, cleaners or security whose role does not require them to stay overnight.
Learn more about blue cards for child accommodation services and overnight camps.
Transitional requirements
Amusement parks
- Existing workers/businesses: Apply for a blue card within 12 months of 20 September 2025.
- New workers/businesses (from 20 Sept 2025): Must hold a blue card before starting.
Other child related tourism services
- Existing workers/businesses: Apply for a blue card within 6 months of 20 September 2025.
- New workers/businesses: Must hold a blue card before starting.
Learn more about transitional arrangements.