Working with Children Checks
All AUSactive Registered Professionals working or volunteering with children under the age of 18 years of age need to fulfil the Working with Children Checks and clearance requirements of the state/territory that they’re working in. There are no checks required on a national basis.
Many organisations have internal policies which require employees to undergo background checks as it protects both the children and the organisation from future problems.
State/Territory legal requirements:
Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011.
An ACT Working with Vulnerable People registration is required for anyone working with, caring for, or volunteering with children or other vulnerable people in the ACT. This registration is valid for five years and is subject to ongoing monitoring.
For more information & registration visit Access Canberra.
Child Protection (Working with Children) Amendment (Statutory Review) Act 2018
A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is mandatory for anyone working with children in NSW. Employers and organisations must verify and retain records of their employees' and volunteers' WWCC status. WWCC clearances are valid for 5 years and subject to ongoing monitoring.
For more information visit NSW Office of the Children's Guardian.
Care and Protection of Children Act 2007
To work or volunteer with children in the Northern Territory, individuals must hold an Ochre Card, also known as a Working with Children Clearance. This clearance is valid for two years and is required by employers and organisations involved in child-related activities.
For more information visit Working with Children Clearance.
Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld)
In Queensland a Blue Card is required for anyone working with or caring for children. This clearance is valid for three years and is required by individuals and organisations involved in child-related activities.
For more information & registration visit Blue Card Services.
Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017
A Working with Children Check is required for anyone working with, caring for, or volunteering with children in South Australia. Working with Children Checks are valid for five years. For more information visit Government of South Australia.
Registration to Work with Vulnerable People Act 2013
Registration to Work with Vulnerable People is required for anyone working with, caring for, or volunteering with children or other vulnerable people in Tasmania. This registration is valid for five years.
For more information visit Service Tasmania.
Working With Children Act 2005
A Working with Children Check is required for anyone working with, caring for, or volunteering with children in Victoria. This check is valid for five years and allows individuals to engage in child-related work, volunteering, and training.
For more information and to apply, visit Service Victoria.
Working with Children (Screening) Act 2004
The Working with Children Check is compulsory for anyone engaging in child-related work in Western Australia and the Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. This check is valid for three years and entitles individuals to engage in child-related occupations/volunteering.
For more information & registration visit Government of Western Australia Department of Communities.
