Reportable Conduct Investigations Queensland
Independent, evidence-based reportable conduct investigations for Queensland schools, early childhood services, disability providers, sporting organisations, churches, health services and child-facing organisations.
Discuss a Matter Call 1300 870 923
Queensland’s Reportable Conduct Scheme Is Now in Force
Queensland’s Reportable Conduct Scheme commenced on 1 July 2026. The scheme creates new responsibilities for organisations that care for, supervise, educate, support or exercise authority over children.
For many organisations, this is a major change. Allegations involving workers and children can no longer be treated as ordinary HR complaints, informal workplace issues or matters to be quietly managed in-house. They must be identified, assessed, reported where required, investigated properly and documented in a way that can withstand external scrutiny.
In simple terms
If an allegation is made that a worker, volunteer, contractor or other person engaged by an organisation has engaged in reportable conduct involving a child, the organisation may have legal obligations to notify, investigate, manage risk and report outcomes.
What Is the Reportable Conduct Scheme?
The Reportable Conduct Scheme is a child safety framework designed to make organisations accountable for how they respond to allegations of misconduct involving children.
The scheme is overseen by the Queensland Family and Child Commission. It requires reporting entities to have systems for identifying, reporting, investigating and responding to allegations or convictions involving reportable conduct.
The purpose is not only to protect children. It is also to ensure allegations are handled fairly, consistently and transparently. A proper investigation must protect the child, preserve evidence, treat the respondent fairly and produce findings based on evidence rather than assumption.
What Type of Conduct May Be Reportable?
Whether conduct is reportable depends on the facts, the role of the worker, the nature of the organisation and the connection between the alleged conduct and a child.
Sexual Offences
Allegations involving sexual offending against or involving a child.
Sexual Misconduct
Behaviour of a sexual nature that raises serious child safety concerns.
Physical Violence
Alleged physical conduct towards a child requiring assessment and investigation.
Significant Neglect
Failures in care, supervision or protection that may place a child at risk.
Ill-Treatment
Harsh, inappropriate or degrading treatment of a child.
Emotional or Psychological Harm
Conduct that may cause significant emotional or psychological harm to a child.
Who May Need These Investigations?
The scheme is relevant to a wide range of Queensland organisations. RQI can assist reporting entities and child-facing organisations across regional, rural and remote Queensland.
Schools
State, Catholic and independent schools requiring external investigation support.
Early Childhood Services
Childcare, kindergarten, early learning and outside school hours care providers.
Disability Providers
Services supporting children and young people with disability.
Sporting Clubs
Junior sporting organisations, associations and clubs with child-facing roles.
Churches and Religious Bodies
Faith-based organisations, youth programs and child-related ministries.
Health and Community Services
Organisations delivering services to children, young people or families.
Why Independent Investigations Matter
A reportable conduct matter can expose an organisation to regulatory scrutiny, legal risk, reputational damage and internal conflict. Internal investigations may be suitable for some lower-level matters, but serious allegations often require independence.
An independent investigator helps demonstrate that the organisation has taken the allegation seriously, avoided conflicts of interest and made findings based on evidence rather than workplace politics, pressure or assumptions.
The investigation must be fair to everyone involved
A child safety investigation must protect children, but it must also preserve procedural fairness for the respondent. Poor process can undermine an otherwise serious matter.
How RQI Conducts Reportable Conduct Investigations
| Stage | What RQI Does |
|---|---|
| Initial Assessment | Review the allegation, identify immediate risks, clarify scope and consider whether specialist advice or police referral may be required. |
| Investigation Plan | Prepare a structured investigation approach covering witnesses, documents, evidence sources and procedural fairness steps. |
| Evidence Preservation | Identify and preserve relevant records, CCTV, rosters, emails, policies, incident reports, messages and prior complaint material. |
| Interviews | Conduct professional interviews with complainants, witnesses, managers and respondents in a fair and evidence-focused manner. |
| Analysis | Assess credibility, consistency, corroboration, conflicts, documentary evidence and competing accounts. |
| Report | Prepare a clear final investigation report with findings, reasons and evidence references suitable for boards, CEOs, legal advisers and regulators. |
Why Choose Regional Queensland Investigations?
Regional Queensland Investigations is not simply an HR consultancy. RQI is an independent licensed investigation firm experienced in sensitive workplace, government, regulatory and child-related investigations.
- Queensland licensed investigation firm
- Investigators with current Blue Cards
- Experience conducting sensitive workplace investigations
- Evidence-based investigation methodology
- Procedural fairness and natural justice focus
- Experience with government, education, health, community and regional matters
- Professional investigation reports suitable for decision-makers and legal review
- Regional Queensland coverage, including rural and remote locations
Free Download: The CEO’s Guide to Queensland’s Reportable Conduct Scheme
RQI has prepared a practical guide for CEOs, Principals, Boards, HR Managers and heads of reporting entities.
The CEO’s Guide to Queensland’s Reportable Conduct Scheme – First Steps When an Allegation Is Made
The guide explains what to do when an allegation is raised, including immediate safety steps, evidence preservation, police considerations, procedural fairness and when to appoint an independent investigator.
Download the Free GuideCommon Mistakes Organisations Should Avoid
Waiting Too Long
Delay can compromise safety, evidence, witness reliability and reporting obligations.
Treating It as Ordinary HR
Reportable conduct matters require a child safety and regulatory lens.
Poor Evidence Handling
Documents, CCTV, rosters, emails and messages should be preserved early.
Internal Bias
Perceived conflicts can undermine confidence in the outcome.
Weak Procedural Fairness
Respondents must be given a fair opportunity to respond before findings are made.
Unclear Findings
Findings must explain what evidence was accepted, rejected and why.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can RQI conduct reportable conduct investigations for schools and childcare providers?
Yes. RQI can conduct independent investigations for schools, early childhood services, OSHC providers and other child-facing organisations.
Do your investigators hold Blue Cards?
Yes. RQI investigators hold appropriate Queensland licensing and Blue Cards for child-related investigation work.
Can RQI attend regional and remote locations?
Yes. RQI is based in regional Queensland and regularly conducts investigations across regional, rural and remote areas.
Can RQI work with our lawyer or HR team?
Yes. RQI regularly works with Boards, CEOs, HR teams and legal advisers while remaining independent in the investigation process.
Need an Independent Reportable Conduct Investigator?
If your organisation has received a reportable conduct allegation, RQI can assist with a fair, independent and evidence-based investigation.
Discuss a Matter Call 1300 870 923