The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is warning that tourism operators face major challenges under new Blue Card reforms that come into effect at the same time as the school holidays.
The September school holidays are vital for many businesses, helping to offset slower months and provide resilience ahead of summer, when wet weather and weather events often disrupt visitation.
QTIC chief executive Natassia Wheeler said the industry body is currently having productive discussions with Blue Card Services and the Queensland Government, but timing is of the essence to find a resolution.
“Child safety is of course a number one priority for the tourism industry however, we are seeking urgent action on the transition to reforms related to Blue Cards. Our industry is just one day away from one of the busiest family holiday periods of the year, yet some operators are still unclear on how these reforms apply to them despite productive discussions this week with Blue Card Services and the Queensland Government,” Wheeler said.
“Tourism businesses are already stretched by workforce shortages, and these reforms risk making it harder to hire and roster the staff needed to run experiences, programs and camps. Without urgent clarity, the reality is cancellations and lost revenue right when businesses can least afford it.”
QTIC has outlined to the Attorney-General a series of urgent actions to avoid disruption, including:
– Deferring the tourism commencement date to March 2026, or alternatively adopting an “education-first” enforcement posture through to December 2025.
– Publishing binding tourism-specific guidance within two weeks, with safe-harbour examples for attractions, accommodation, camps, contractors and seasonal roles.
– Standing up a seasonal fast-track process with guaranteed turnaround targets for school holiday hires.
– Making Blue Cards free or discounted for newly mandated roles in the sector to support rapid workforce compliance.
– Providing lawful pathways for employment and supervision where cards are pending, refused or cancelled.
Wheeler said the government and industry must work quickly together to prevent unintended harm to the industry whilst continuing to prioritise child safety.
“Clear, practical guidance and a proportionate transition plan are the only way to deliver child safety outcomes without undermining tourism businesses and the thousands of jobs they support,” she said.
“Queensland’s visitor economy contributes more than $30 billion a year and employs over 220,000 people. The stakes are too high for avoidable disruption.”
