Code of Conduct

1. Conduct and Character

•     I will act consistently with the Safe Ministry Check Training Course and Freedom Church values.

•     I will treat all people with respect and without favouritism.

•     I will be faithful to my tasks, set a positive example, and exercise care in all interactions.

•     I will never use physical punishment or abusive language, even as discipline.

•     I understand that off-duty conduct towards children may constitute reportable conduct under Queensland law and affect my suitability to serve.

2. Transparency and Supervision

•     Another approved adult will always be present or within eyesight when I am with a child, young person, or vulnerable person.

•     I will not meet privately or form secretive or exclusive relationships with children or young people.

•     I will not transport children or young people alone unless specifically authorised by parents or guardians.

3. Safe Environments

•     I will ensure spaces and activities I oversee are safe and free from significant harm.

•     I will follow safe check-in and check-out processes for children.

•     I will not serve under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

•     I will not access, possess, or distribute pornography.

4. Physical and Digital Interaction

•     I will avoid inappropriate physical contact. Acceptable contact: handshake, high-five, fist bump, or side-hug (with permission). No rough play, tickling, lap-sitting, or prolonged contact.

•     I will not initiate private electronic communication (texts, emails, DMs) with children or young people. I will use only church-approved platforms and include parents or guardians wherever possible.

•     I will not post photos or videos of children without written parental or guardian consent.

5. Respect, Inclusion, and Listening to Children

•     I will include vulnerable people and/or their carers in decisions that significantly affect them, listen to their concerns, and respond supportively.

•     I will take children’s and young people’s views seriously and support their participation in decisions affecting them.

•     I will promote the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, consistent with the Universal Principle under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024.

•     I will not discriminate on the basis of gender, culture, disability, or background.

6. Reporting and Accountability

•     I will report all concerns or suspicions about harmful behaviour to the Freedom Church Bribie Island Safe Ministry Contacts without bias.

•     Safe Ministry Contacts: Margaret Miller (primary) — info@freedomchurch.org.au; Michael Mackerell (backup) — mm@freedomchurch.org.au; Kane Attard (Senior Pastor / Head of Entity) — kane.attard@freedomchurch.org.au.

•     If a concern involves the Senior Pastor / Head of Entity, I may report it to Margaret Miller or Michael Mackerell, and directly to the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) or ACC Qld/NT Safer Churches, without referring the matter to the Senior Pastor.

•     I understand it is a criminal offence in Queensland to fail to report known or reasonably suspected child sexual offences, or to fail to protect a child from a known risk of sexual abuse.

•     I understand the church must notify the QFCC of and investigate allegations of “reportable conduct” by any worker or volunteer. Reportable conduct includes: a child sexual offence; sexual misconduct in relation to or in the presence of a child; ill-treatment of a child; significant neglect; physical violence; and behaviour causing significant emotional or psychological harm to a child.

•     I will immediately report to a Safe Ministry Contact any conduct by a worker or volunteer (in or outside ministry) that may be reportable conduct, even if uncertain whether it meets the threshold for a police response.

•     I will cooperate fully with any investigation by the church, QFCC, police, or other authorities, and maintain confidentiality throughout.

•     I will submit to the Freedom Church Bribie Island leader screening process and to disciplinary steps for any breach of this Code or illegal conduct.

Volunteer Workers Declaration

Other than matters I have disclosed, I know of no past behaviour that renders me unfit to serve or that would impair the church’s ability to operate safely for minors or any other person.

I have disclosed to the Safe Ministry Contact all allegations, charges, findings of guilt, or convictions relating to: (a) sexual abuse or misconduct of any kind (including grooming, molestation, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, or intimidation); and (b) any other reportable conduct towards a child (including ill-treatment, significant neglect, physical violence, or behaviour causing significant emotional or psychological harm).

Ongoing Obligation to Disclose

This obligation is continuing. I will notify a Safe Ministry Contact promptly — and within 7 days — if I become subject to any allegation, charge, finding of guilt, or conviction relating to matters in (a) or (b) above, whether in or outside my church role, or if I become aware of any other matter affecting my suitability to work with children or vulnerable persons.

I understand the church may be legally required to notify the QFCC of reportable allegations or convictions concerning me under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024. Any material misstatement or omission may render me unfit for a role. I will respect the church’s decisions about my placement and service.