- Reforms
to strengthen
Working with Children Checks came into effect today
- The Working
with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Amendment Act 2022 will help to better
protect children
- Changes
include expanding the list of criminal offences that trigger an automatic
Negative Notice which makes it an offence to carry out child-related work
Legislative
reforms to strengthen Working with Children Checks have come into effect today,
making it harder for people who have committed certain
offences, or engaged in certain conduct, to obtain a Working with Children
Card.
Under
the changes, there will be expanded criminal offences including
those that trigger an automatic Negative Notice will be expanded. It is an
offence to carry out child-related work while holding a Negative Notice.
Other key changes to the legislation include:
- preventing anyone with a
current Interim Negative Notice or Negative Notice being able to use parent
volunteer or child volunteer exemptions;
- ability for the Working
with Children Screening Unit to receive conduct review findings or outcomes
from the Teacher Registration Board of WA and the Ombudsman WA, which could
trigger a reassessment of an individual's Working with Children Card; and
- requiring Working with
Children cardholders and applicants to notify the Working with Children
Screening Unit of a change in: personal details (name), contact details
(residential address, telephone number, email etc.) or child-related work
status (starting or ceasing).
For employees, volunteers, or
organisations who breach their obligations, fines of up to $60,000 and five
years' imprisonment may apply.
For
more information visit https://www.workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au/
Comments attributed Child Protection
Minister Sabine Winton:
"Keeping
children safe is always our priority and Working with Children Checks are a screening tool that can help to do that.
"Modernising
these laws and making it tougher for people who pose an unacceptable risk to
children from getting a Working with Children Card will further support
children to safely enjoy everyday activities like sport and schooling.
"Importantly,
these updated laws will also give authorised officers powers to investigate
suspected offences or determine compliance with the Act, to help keep children
safe.
"While
these changes will improve one of our vital child-safe systems, it is important
to acknowledge that protecting children is everyone's responsibility. It cannot
be left to one organisation, one person, or one particular safeguard to ensure
the protection of children across the community."
