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CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Inclusion Coach, Jamilla McCoy · Community Facilities | Community Services Department

Executive summary

This report seeks Council’s approval to adopt a Child Safeguarding Policy to meet new legislative obligations applying to all Queensland local governments from 1 October 2025. The Policy establishes a consistent and organisation-wide approach to safeguarding children and young people who access Council services, facilities and programs, ensuring risks of harm are proactively managed and concerns are appropriately identified and addressed. Adoption of the Policy is required to satisfy Council’s obligations under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld) and associated regulatory requirements. Council delivers a broad range of services and facilities that are regularly accessed by children and young people, including libraries, sport and recreation facilities, community spaces, events and digital platforms. While child safety has previously been addressed through existing governance, risk management and conduct frameworks, recent legislative reforms introduce explicit safeguarding requirements that necessitate a dedicated policy response. The proposed Policy builds on Council’s existing practices and completes the child safety policy framework commenced in 2025 through the Child and Youth Risk Management Organisational Outline. The Child Safeguarding Policy provides overarching guidance and integrates Council’s existing policies, procedures and risk management arrangements into a single, coherent framework. It confirms safeguarding as a shared responsibility across the organisation, supported by clear governance and implementation oversight, workforce training, strengthened risk management, expanded Blue Card and mandatory reporting obligations, and the introduction of a Reportable Conduct Scheme by 1 July 2026. Adoption of the Policy mitigates compliance, operational and reputational risks, supports Council’s values and community trust, and provides assurance to schools and community organisations that Council facilities meet contemporary child safeguarding standards. The Policy can be implemented within existing resources, with minor additional costs already factored into budget planning.

Recommendation

That Council

  1. Note the report by the Inclusion Coach to the Ordinary Meeting dated 12 May 2026 regarding the Child Safeguarding Policy;
  2. Adopt the Child Safeguarding Policy provided at Attachment 1; and
  3. Authorise the CEO to take the necessary steps to implement the Policy and associated framework.

Report

Background

Council provides a wide range of services, facilities and spaces that are regularly accessed by children and young people, including libraries, community centres, sport and recreation facilities, public events and digital platforms. These environments play an important role in supporting children’s learning, health, wellbeing and connection to community. Council facilities are also frequently utilised by external organisations, particularly schools, for curriculum-based activities, sporting programs, excursions and community events. As a local government authority, Council has both a legal obligation and a moral responsibility to ensure these spaces are safe, inclusive and welcoming for all children and young people who use them. Currently, Noosa Council does not have a specific child safety policy. Rather, Council has previously managed child safety through other governance elements including workplace health and safety, code of conduct and risk management practices as well as operational procedures and training. Recent legislative reforms in Queensland strengthen the expectations placed on organisations that engage with children. Importantly, from 1 October 2025, all Queensland local governments are required to comply with new safeguarding obligations, including the development and implementation of a dedicated child safety policy. In 2025 Council implemented a Child and Youth Risk Management Organisational Outline to take the first practical steps in complying with the new legislative requirements and the new Child Safeguarding Policy will complete the required policy elements. The proposed Policy is informed by, and aligns with, key legislative frameworks including the Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld), the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld), the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld), the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Regulation 2020 (Qld), the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld), and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (2019).

Rationale The rationale for the Policy is grounded in the fundamental principle that all children have the right to feel safe, be protected from harm, and participate in environments that support their wellbeing and development. Council has a duty of care to ensure that all services and spaces proactively identify, mitigate, and respond to risks of harm, and that any concerns about safety are addressed promptly and appropriately. The Policy outlines the principles and responsibilities that underpin a child-safe culture, establishes child safe practices with consistent expectations and obligations, and ensures that all personnel understand their responsibilities and are equipped to act. It supports a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse. It also supports a culture of prevention, where risks are identified early, and harm is minimised through proactive planning, training, and communication. The new Policy strengthens Council's existing policies and practices and together they provide a clear and consistent child safety framework for safeguarding children across all Council activities. Importantly, the Policy aligns with relevant Queensland legislation and national standards, ensuring Council meets its legal, ethical, and community obligations. In addition, schools are increasingly required to confirm that any external venue they access operates under a compliant Child Safeguarding or Child Safe Policy. The absence of such a policy can prevent schools from using Council facilities, limiting opportunities for students to participate in educational and recreational activities and placing additional pressure on school administrators seeking safe and suitable venues. The adoption of a formal Child Safeguarding Policy therefore supports not only Council’s internal practices, but also its ongoing partnerships with schools and the broader community.

Implementation Effective implementation of the Child Safeguarding Policy and related legislative requirements requires a range of measures. Some of these aspects have already commenced to ensure timely compliance with the necessary legislation and Council officers will progress the remainder following adoption of the Policy. Governance and Accountability A clear governance framework is required to ensure child safeguarding responsibilities are understood and consistently upheld across the organisation. This responsibility applies to all employees, contractors, volunteers and elected members, recognising that safeguarding children is a shared obligation, regardless of whether roles involve direct contact with children. This work commenced in 2025 with the implementation of Council’s Child and Youth Risk Management Organisational Outline which supported Council in understanding and implementing the new regulatory requirements. The Child Safeguarding Policy provides overarching guidance and brings together Council’s existing policies, procedures and risk management elements into a single, coherent framework. Implementation and progress will be embedded within Council’s existing risk management, audit and compliance processes. This integration supports ongoing monitoring, transparency and continuous improvement, ensuring safeguarding practices remain effective and responsive over time. While implementation is a shared organisational responsibility, Council’s People & Culture and Governance teams will play a key role in supporting, coordinating and monitoring the effective implementation of the framework. New or Expanded Obligations The legislation places several new obligations on local governments, in particular: • Some positions in Council will be deemed to be Mandatory Reporters and required under Child Protection Act 1999 to make a report to the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs - Child Safety Service, if they form a reasonable suspicion that a child has suffered, is suffering or is at risk of suffering significant harm caused by physical or sexual abuse. • Council will be required to develop and implement a Reportable Conduct Scheme by 01 July

to report and investigate allegations of child abuse and misconduct by their employees and others subject to the Policy. • Council is required to have Risk Management Plans which include child specific measures. Council’s facilities already have comprehensive risk management plans and these are being adapted to clarify child related elements. • Working with Children (Blue Card) requirements have been expanded and more of our employees will be required to hold a current blue card. Training and Capability The child safe framework must be supported through consistent and role-appropriate training for all people subject to the Policy. Induction and refresher programs will provide practical guidance on recognising indicators of harm, responding to concerns and fulfilling reporting obligations, building confidence and capability across the workforce. Council officers have already commenced awareness training for leadership levels and key teams subject to the policy and this will be expanded following adoption of the Policy. Communication and Engagement Child and family-friendly communication materials are essential to clearly articulate Council’s commitment to child safety. Accessible information about expected behaviours, reporting pathways and supports helps children, parents, carers and partner organisations understand their rights and feel confident engaging with Council services and facilities. These materials will be developed following adoption of the Policy. Leadership A strong child-safe culture is underpinned by visible leadership and shared values. Promoting open dialogue, modelling respectful behaviour and reinforcing expectations helps create environments where child safety is prioritised and concerns can be raised without fear.

Report details

Index: Subject/27.48 Council Policies