In May 2022, the Child Protection Reform and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2022 (the Act) was passed. This Act amends Queensland’s child protection laws so that they:

• reinforce children’s rights
• strengthen children’s voices in decisions that affect them
• enhance how the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle is applied when making significant decisions about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
• streamline, clarify and improve the regulation of care.

These amendments will come into effect in 2 tranches – tranche 1 will commence 31 October 2022 and includes streamlining the regulation of care, clarifying mandatory reporting requirements for foster and kinship carers, improving the operation of the Act and enabling information disclosure in additional circumstances.

Tranche 2 is anticipated to commence in the first half of 2023.

For more information, go to: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/caring-child/foster-kinship-care/information-for-carers/rights-and-responsibilities/legal-matters/changes-to-queenslands-child-protection-laws