- People who work with children invited to have their say on Phase 2 reforms to Western Australia's Working With Children Scheme
- Proposed changes aim to strengthen protections for WA children under the Working with Children (Screening) Act 2004
- Reforms address recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse's 2015 Working with Children Checks Report
The Department of Communities is inviting all people who work with children to have their say on potential reforms to Western Australia's Working with Children (WWC) Scheme.
The changes aim to strengthen protections for WA children under the Working with Children (Screening) Act 2004 and will address recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse's 2015 Working with Children Checks Report as well as the Statutory Review of the WWC Act.
The potential reforms make up the second phase of reforms to strengthen the Act recommended by the Royal Commission. Phase 2 reforms focus on changes to the categories of child-related work and access to exemptions from those categories, as well as changes to progress national recognition and portability of WWC Check outcomes across states and territoriesas agreed to at a recent Standing Council of Attorneys General.
A public consultation process on the proposed Phase 2 changes will ensure the potential reforms are well-designed and appropriate for WA's children and communities.
Submissions close on 23 September. Further information about the consultation process is available here: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/have-your-say-phase-2-reforms-strengthen-was-working-children-check-law
As stated by Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"The safety and wellbeing of our children is always a priority for the State Government and Working with Children Checks are an importantscreening tool that can help to do that.
"Strengthening the Working with Children Act 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 proposed reforms will help ensure that all children, wherever they live, are provided the best possible protections from harm from those who work with them.
"I encourage everyone who works with children in WA, or who is a parent, relative, or guardian of a child in WA, to make a submission on any issues of interest to them. We all have a part to play in keeping 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."
