Queensland authorities have suspended 39 working-with-children blue cards since the state’s new reportable-conduct scheme began, with more than 660 complaints recorded under the system.

The scheme is designed to strengthen oversight of people working with children and improve the response to allegations of inappropriate or concerning conduct.

The development is relevant across Queensland, including the Gold Coast, where large numbers of people work in schools, childcare, sport, community organisations and other services involving children.

The reportable-conduct framework gives authorities greater visibility of allegations and allows concerns to be investigated through a formal process. The suspension of a blue card can prevent a person from working in child-related employment while authorities assess the circumstances.

The Queensland Government says the system is intended to improve child-safety protections and ensure organisations take allegations seriously.