A recent report has highlighted alarming levels of non-compliance with Working with Children Checks among organisations in New South Wales (NSW). The findings indicate that 244 out of 280 organisations fail to meet legal requirements linked to child safety, particularly in verifying these checks before employment begins.
The NSW government has responded to the audit results by pledging to enforce stricter penalties for non-compliance. This initiative was catalyzed by an inquiry that led to the dismissal of NSW Children’s Guardian, Steve Kinmond, for his interference with the checks.
In addition to toughening regulations, the government is launching a campaign encouraging organisations to “check their checks,” with support from various community organisations, including PCYC, St John’s Ambulance, and Surf Lifesaving. Education and Early Learning Minister Courtney Houssos emphasized the commitment to prioritising child safety over profits, stating that the existing laws have proven inadequate in protecting children.
Alongside this campaign, the Minns government intends to introduce significant legislative reforms aimed at restoring parental trust in early childhood education and care. This includes plans to prevent individuals from appealing against denied Working with Children Checks through external channels, thus granting the Office of the Children’s Guardian complete oversight in this area.
Families and Communities Minister Kate Washington reiterated the government’s determination to ensure valid Working with Children Checks among all child-focused organisations statewide. A $10 million funding boost for the Office of the Children’s Guardian is also on the table to strengthen its resources in carrying out this crucial task.
The push for enhanced oversight is largely in response to instances where individuals with criminal backgrounds managed to evade the system, underlining the critical need for robust checks to safeguard children.