New campaign dispels blue card myths

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath has launched a new television and radio campaign to encourage people in Indigenous communities to apply for blue cards to work with children.

Launching the resources in Cairns today, Mrs D’Ath said the campaign would bust some myths about how the system operates.

“We’ve learned many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have misconceptions about the system which have prevented them from applying for blue cards,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“Some Indigenous people may not have any identification documents such as a birth certificate or driver’s licence but this doesn’t have to be a barrier.  

“Others think that the application process may be too difficult or believe that all criminal history will stop them getting a blue card when this is not necessarily the case,” Mrs D’Ath said.

Mrs D’Ath said this was the first time that Blue Card Services had developed specific video and radio resources targeting Indigenous communities.

“We’re using a more traditional storytelling approach to help get the message across and get communities involved.

“Indigenous creative agency Gilimbaa has produced a series of videos and radio plays to help raise awareness and education about the blue card system within these communities.

“The recently-released review of Queensland’s blue card system recommended better communication with and support for Indigenous communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants, and this campaign is an important step forward.”

Mrs D’Ath said Indigenous communities were closely consulted during development of the resources, with an extensive process beginning in March 2017.

“To get Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people involved with the blue card system, we had to ensure these resources were culturally effective and appropriate,” she said.

“I want to thank those community members who helped along the way for their invaluable input into the development process.

“We’ll spread the message via local media, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander radio stations, social media and the Internet, email and at events.”

The new resources will also be available at www.bluecard.qld.gov.au

Media contact: 0417 675 917