The Blue Card System has recently gone through a bunch of changes. We’ve looked at the new rules and updates, and have put together a list of what is relevant to us. Some of it does seem like a bit of a rigmarole, but ultimately, the point of all this is to protect our children.
New Laws
- No Card, No Start
If you do not have a Blue Card, you cannot work or volunteer in a position requiring a blue card until your application is approved.
However, there is a little bit of flexibility here if you only work with children once in a blue moon. Please speak to the office staff to see if your circumstances fit into the exception for the rule
- Expiring Cards
If you don’t renew your card by the expiry date, you will be subject to the No Card, No Start law and cannot work until your card is renewed.
However, you are able to continue working with kids if your renewal application is in before the expiry of your old card.
- Exemption Card Renewal
Exemption cards (that’s you, teachers!) will now need to be updated every 3 years if still required.
- Reporting Change in Police Information
Cardholders are obliged to inform Blue Card Services when there is a change in their police information. MORE INFO
Linking Cards
If you are working with children at DBC and already have a Blue Card from somewhere else, we need to link your card to our account. Please talk to one of the office staff if you need more info.
New Look Card with Extra Security
The new Blue Cards will be linked to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), and will include your photo. Your photo needs to have been taken in the last 6 years and 9 months for it to be a valid identification to be place on your new Blue Card. If it has been longer that this since your last photo, you need to go to TMR and get it updated, or it may delay your application.
Applying for / Renewing a Blue Card
There are now 2 ways for you to renew your Blue Card. You can either fill in the paper forms as before, or you can apply online. You can lodge your application up to 16 weeks before your renewal is due.
Online Applications/Renewals
The easiest way to apply for or renew a Blue Card is to use the online portal.
You will need to register for an online account with a TMR product, which for most of us, will be a Driver’s Licence.
Through this process, you will set up two-factor authentication. This means that when you go to sign-in to your account, it will ask you for your password, as well as a unique security code that will be sent to your mobile. You will need to have either an email address or mobile number registered with TMR for this to work.
Once you have your account set up, you will be able to update your card online.
Paper Applications/Renewals
The paper application system has been updated and modified for identification extra security.
Now, you only have to provide a copy of your licence (or 18+ card), but you MUST have the copy certified by a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner for Declarations, Lawyer, or Police Officer.
You still need to fill in all your details, including your previous Blue Card Number if you have one. You also need to have your form signed off by one of the office staff.
Once the form is completed, and you have your ID document copy signed off by a JP or Cdecs, we can submit your application.