Commitment to Child Safety

Commitment to Child Safety and Wellbeing

Rockhampton Regional Council believes every child has the right to be safe and feel safe.

Following the commencement of the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 on 1 October 2025, we are progressively evolving our organisational culture and systems to align with the 10 Child Safe Standards.

We have a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse, neglect and harm and acknowledge that child safety is a shared responsibility across our community.  Councillors, employees, volunteers and contractors have a responsibility to uphold and promote the rights and wellbeing of children and young people. 

Council acknowledges the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of older children, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and those with a disability. 

As we advance our child-safe initiatives, we will continue to listen to children, families, and our community to ensure our services are safe for everyone.

What it means to be a child safe organisation

As defined by the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 the 10 Child Safe Standards are:

1. Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture. 
2. Children are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously. 
3. Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing. 
4. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice. 
5. People working with children are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing in practice. 
6. Processes to respond to complaints of child abuse are child focused. 
7. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through ongoing education and training. 
8. Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing and minimise the opportunity for children to be harmed. 
9. Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved. 
10. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children. 

Council acknowledges the significance of the Child Safe Standards and is committed to implementing policies that reflect these principles and embedding them in our organisational practices.

All allegations of abuse and safety concerns received by Council will be acted upon in accordance with relevant policies and procedures.  This includes preparing for our mandatory obligations under the Reportable Conduct Scheme to ensure independent oversight of allegations against workers. 

If you have concerns about a child or family, referrals may be made to Family and Child Connect or Child Safety, depending on the seriousness of the concerns. 

Further Information

For further information, please visit the Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services website.