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Child Protection

The Diocese of Townsville is committed to the protection of children and young people under its care. Abuse of children will not be tolerated under any circumstances and disciplinary action may be taken against any employee or volunteer who breaches this policy.

Effective from 1 February 2002, the Queensland Government has enacted legislation - Commission for Children and Young People Act 2000.

All those employed in pastoral ministry by the Roman Catholic Trust Corporation for the Diocese of Townsville or working in a voluntary capacity with children or young people must comply with this legislation.

The legislation requires that any person who in the course of their employment and or ministry is likely to have contact with children:

  • at least once a week over the course of one month; or

  • at least once a fortnight over the course of two months; or

  • at least once a month over the course of six months

must apply for and obtain a Suitability Card (Blue Card) from the Office of the Commission for Children and Young People.

The following policy is to be implemented as follows:

  • All priests and pastoral leaders must obtain a Suitability Card and provide the Bishop with proof of currency. The cost of obtaining the Suitability Card will be paid by the Parish or Ministry to which the Priest or Pastoral Leader is assigned.

  • All parish and diocesan employees who meet the criteria of legislation must obtain a Suitability Card and provide proof of currency to the Parish Priest, Pastoral Leader or Agency Head.

  • All parish, diocesan, agency volunteers who meet the criteria of the legislation must obtain a Suitability Card and provide proof of currency to their Parish Priest, Pastoral Leader or Agency Head. Applications for Volunteers are free of charge.

  • Any person (e.g. a registered teacher) who may qualify for exemption under the legislation, must obtain a Suitability Card in those instances above when they work in another category either as a paid employee or voluntary worker. (e.g. a teacher may volunteer to lead children's Liturgy in the parish or as a parent on a youth camp.)

  • Diocesan agencies like the Catholic Education Office, Centacare etc should develop their own policies on this matter, mindful of this Diocesan policy.

  • This legislation is applicable only in Queensland. Therefore, any Priest, Religious or lay worker invited into the Diocese for a short term ministry in a parish, retreat team etc or who is likely to be a regular visitor and who meets the criteria must arrange for a Suitability Card. The person responsible for engaging someone from interstate or overseas must ensure that the visitor applies for a Suitability Card before undertaking any work. (N.B. A priest coming for a single event eg a wedding or as a guest speaker would not be required to provide a Suitability Card.)

  • In the event someone is employed or enlisted with an application pending and receives notification that a Suitability Card was not granted, the Parish Priest, Pastoral Leader or Agency Head should make contact with the Bishop's Office immediately.

  • A penalty can be incurred if an employer employs someone needing a Suitability Card and who does not have one.

Policies and Memos