Newsroom

June 14, 2024

Katter’s Australian Party Leader and member for Traeger Robbie Katter has welcomed the Labor government adopting long fought for KAP policy of blue card reform.

“For more than a decade I’ve advocated for real reform, returning dignity to our first Australians,” Mr Katter said.

Blue cards, designed to protect children from predators and abuse have for too long being used as an impediment for First Australians to gain meaningful employment and give back to their communities.

“It is just a joke that for having a scuffle in the street in your twenties, as a mature contributing member of community you are currently deemed unfit to maintain the gardens after hours at your local school or provide kinship care and mentorship to the next generation,” the member for Traeger said.

“First Australian communities have been pleading with me to drive reform for blue cards, and in response I’ve put in three bills, all voted down,” he said.

KAP Candidate for Cook, Duane Amos said that he has seen the detrimental impact of the Blue Card system firsthand during his many years in Cape communities.

“I have seen communities stripped of the ability to empower their own people, and employers forced to bring in outside workforce, when the best workforce is right there in community,” Mr Amos said.

“I am full behind the KAP drive for genuine reform, and I look forward to seeing reform pass the parliament, but more importantly make a difference on the ground,” the candidate for cook said.

The KAP leader, Mr Katter said that while he was pleased to finally see action from Labor on this, he sincerely hoped that they are serious, and will get this through the parliament this term.

“The details are yet to be fully analysed, and I look forward to continuing to drive meaningful reform,” Mr Katter said.

“If I were cynical, I’d suggest there is a huge risk that this move is a disingenuous attempt to con desperate First Australian people, just before the election, that change is imminent.

“It’s only when the blue card reforms are sealed in Queensland legislation that I and the KAP will celebrate success with First Australian communities,” the member for Traeger said.