June 7, 2008

Australia- No review for blue cards: Spence

6-7-2008 Australia:

Queensland's blue card system will not be reviewed despite six cardholders among the first 40 people arrested in Queensland as part of a massive child-porn sting yesterday.

Police Minister Judy Spence said the blue card registration system, which grants people eligibility to work with children, would not be overhauled despite the outcomes of police operation Centurion.

"We certainly want to do a lot of examination once this whole operation is concluded about the types of people that have been located," Ms Spence said.

"But it is likely that the blue card people may not dominate in this group as much as you think because as the police have said they have targeted these people first, quite rightly, because they are type of people who will have something to do with children."

Blue cards are issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardians for people who plan to work, either paid or as a volunteer, in a child-related area.

There is no detailed check, other than a person's declaration they have committed no serious crimes.

Traditionally it is used by volunteers at schools, community centres, trainee teachers and people working in youth sports associations.

It is also supported by a range of community groups including Volunteering Queensland.

Queensland anti-sexual assault lobby group Bravehearts backed Ms Spence's stand.

Executive director Hetty Johnston said Bravehearts still supported the blue card scheme in Queensland, though Ms Johnston agreed some offenders used the cards to get closer to children.

"It's not foolproof," Ms Johnston said.

"It can be used by some offenders to legitimise their proximity to children. But it also means that offenders known to police don't get jobs close to children.

"The only way that it can be perfect is if all victims tell their story to police."

Ms Johnston said Bravehearts started a process two years ago called SADS - Sexual Assault Disclosure Scheme - to encourage sexual assault victims to confidentially inform police about pedophilia.

Ms Spence said the State Government had always qualified its feelings about the blue card process.

"I think we have always said the the blue card is only as safe as the day it was issued," Ms Spence said.

"We can't ever give any long-term guarantees about the blue card and what people who have blue cards are up to. But what we can say is that immediately the police are aware that someone who has a blue card has done the wrong thing, such as they have in these cases, then that card is withdrawn and the authorities inform the organisation or the employer about the arrest," she said.

"So we have made this system as tight as we can, but we also say to Queensland parents there is no substitute for parental vigilance over children."

Ms Spence said parents had to monitor their children's use of the internet and their network of friends and associates.

"Make sure you know who your children are with, that you are confident and comfortable with the person they are with, and be involved in their lives, don't just rely on the blue card for safety and security." ..News Source.. by TONY MOORE

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