Member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter says the current Blue Card process is not working and amendments were needed to give indigenous communities more say over employment opportunities for locals.
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“Children’s safety will always remain the number one priority however, this does not mean a one size fits all approach to blue cards is the best way to go,” Mr Katter said.
“I have come across many cases in remote indigenous communities where a person who has completely turned their life around is unable to work or contribute fully to the community because old convictions prevent them from getting a Blue Card.’’
Mr Katter said his bill before parliament had zero tolerance regarding sexually related convictions, to ensure children’s safety.
“There have been cases where the local school community and police have determined the person poses no risk to children and their employment would have positive community impacts, but they still cannot work in certain roles in the community because of past offences,’’ he said.
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