Am I a mandatory reporter in Queensland, and what do I report?

Who must report under the Child Protection Act

Section 13E lists doctors, registered nurses, teachers, police officers with child protection responsibilities, people performing a child advocate function under the Public Guardian Act 2014, and early childhood education and care professionals. Volunteers and people under 18 in early childhood services are not included. Section 13F adds Child Safety staff, licensed care service employees and approved foster and kinship carers for children in care.

Many care roles, including disability support workers, psychologists, allied health practitioners and youth workers, are not on the list. They can still report a reasonable suspicion under section 13A, and their employer's policy, funding agreement or professional code may require it.

What triggers the duty

The duty arises when you form a reportable suspicion: a reasonable suspicion that the child has suffered, is suffering or is at unacceptable risk of suffering significant harm caused by physical or sexual abuse, and may not have a parent able and willing to protect them. Harm means a detrimental effect of a significant nature on the child's wellbeing (s 9). Section 13C lists matters to weigh when forming a suspicion.

Neglect and emotional harm are outside the mandatory duty, but Child Safety asks you to report them if you believe the child is in need of protection. You may talk to a colleague first (s 13H), but the duty stays with you. People who report honestly are protected from liability (s 197A).

Other Queensland reporting laws

School staff must immediately give the principal a written report if they become aware of, or reasonably suspect, sexual abuse or likely sexual abuse of a student under 18, and the principal must give a copy to police. This is in sections 365 and 365A of the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 for state schools and sections 366 and 366A for non-state schools.

Under section 229BC of the Criminal Code, any adult who believes on reasonable grounds that another adult has committed a sexual offence against a child under 16, or a child with an impairment of the mind, must tell police, unless they have a reasonable excuse such as having already reported it to Child Safety. Separately, the Reportable Conduct Scheme under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 commenced on 1 July 2026 for in-scope organisations.

Where to report

If a child is in immediate danger, call 000. Foster and kinship carers should report to the Child Safety Officer with case responsibility for the child, or to the After Hours Service Centre outside business hours. Others report to the Child Safety Regional Intake Service during business hours, or the Child Safety After Hours Service Centre on 1800 177 135. Professionals can also use Child Safety's online reporting form, and the online Child Protection Guide helps decide whether to report or refer a family to support. Mandatory reports must be in writing.

If you work in another state

Every state and territory has its own mandatory reporting law, with different lists of reporters, thresholds and reporting lines. Check the law where the child lives, and ask your supervisor or the relevant child protection agency if you are unsure.