Child safe organisation

We're committed to being a child safe organisation and have a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse and harm.

View the 4.46 Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy.

Commitment statement

We are committed to embedding child safety into the everyday thinking and practice of all employees, volunteers, contractors and Councillors, including the Mayor. This includes understanding their responsibilities and taking action to prevent, identify, respond to and report any actual or suspected child abuse or harm.

We respect and value all children, regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious beliefs, ability, family structure or social background. All children have equal rights to protection from abuse and harm.

We are committed to listening to children and respecting their views. Children’s voices are valued and considered when planning and designing our services, programs, projects, facilities and public places. We pay particular attention to ensuring information, services and engagement opportunities are accessible, inclusive and culturally safe for:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
• children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• children with a disability
• LGBTIQA+ children
• children who are unable to live at home.

We also acknowledge and respect the unique histories, cultures and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. We have a zero‑tolerance approach to racism and actively promote cultural respect and cultural safety.

Child friendly commitment statement

Respect: We will treat everyone equally no matter where they are from, who they are or what language they speak. We will make everyone feel included and welcome.

Inform: We will give you information about your physical, emotional and online safety and what to do if you feel unsafe.

Voice: We will make sure there are lots of ways for you to have a say, be involved and have your voice heard.

Help: We will listen and act on what you tell us. We will try and help where we can.

Trust: You can trust that we will care about your needs and feelings and will support you. We will continue to get better at what we do.

Safety: We will strive to make our spaces safe and welcoming for you. If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, we will make sure your culture is respected, valued and nurtured.

Queensland child safe standards

Queensland’s Child Safe Standards (CSS) are ten standards that aim to protect children from harm when interacting with businesses and organisations by creating environments that prioritise their safety and wellbeing. We must comply with the standards. In implementing and complying with the standards, we must also provide an environment that promotes and upholds the right to cultural safety of children who are Aboriginal persons and/or Torres Strait Islander persons (the universal principle).

The Queensland Family and Child Commission are our regulator for the child safe standards and the reportable conduct scheme.

Report child safety concerns

If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call the police on 000.  

If you’re concerned about how one of our employees, volunteers, contractors or Councillors, including the Mayor, has treated a child or young person, either online or in person, you can report it via our confidential email.

We take concerns regarding child safeguarding and public safety seriously.

Support services

• Kids helpline
  Call 1800 551 800.
  This is a free 24/7 private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years.
• Headspace
  Call 1800 650 890.
  Headspace provides free and confidential mental health supports to young people aged 12 to 25 years.
• Lifeline
  Call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  Crisis support and suicide prevention.
• 13YARN
  Call 13 92 76. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  Support line for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People in crisis, providing a confidential, culturally safe space to have a yarn.
• QLife 
  Call 1800 184 527 or use webchat. Open 3pm to midnight, 7 days a week.
  Anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
• 1800Respect
  Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or use webchat. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  
  Counselling and support service for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
• Translating and Interpreting Service National (TIS National)
  Call 131 450.
  Providing language services for people with limited English proficiency and the organisations that support them.