The Court heard that the man was working in a key role in a sporting club in the South West, and was required to hold a Working with Children Card to hold that position.
A Department of Communities investigation found that when required by the club’s committee to provide proof that he held or had applied to renew his Working With Children Card, he provided falsified documents - on two occasions - in an attempt to mislead the committee into believing he did.
It is an offence under Section 35(a) of the Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 for any person to knowingly give false or misleading information for the purposes of the Working With Children Act, to any person who employs or proposes to employ the person in child-related employment.
Quotes from Phil Payne, Executive Director Regulation and Quality, Department of Communities:
“The protection of children from harm is the primary focus for the Department of Communities and providing false information in connection with a Working with Children Check, whether it’s to the employer or the Department of Communities, is an offence and will be taken extremely seriously.
“This prosecution serves as a reminder to all people who are engaged in child-related work to ensure they hold a proper Working with Children Card, and that organisations must ensure due diligence when engaging a person in child-related work.”
For further information about the requirements of Working with Children Checks and the obligations of applicants and employers, people are urged to visit the Working with Children website at www.workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au.
Media contact: Steve Worner 0418 918 299
