National Criminal History Tracker to Strengthen Workingโข with Children Checks
Canberra – โฃA national criminal history tracker for individuals applying for โor holding Working with Children checks (WWCC) is setโ to be established, addressing a key vulnerability in child protection safeguards.The move follows increasing pressure on federal, state and territory governments to improve oversightโข of โthe childcare sector.
Since the last meeting of attorneys-general in August, five states – New South wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland andโข Tasmania – have begun recognising interstate decisions regarding WWCC โapplications. Previously, a loophole known as “forum shopping” allowed individuals with adverse records in one jurisdiction to potentially gain โฃclearance in another where those records were not shared. โค
This practice was a significant concern highlighted in โขthe 2015 royal commission report into working with โchildren checks.
The Australian Capital โTerritory, Northern Territory and Western Australia have committed to enacting legislation to close this loophole by the end โขof the year.
The changes โคarrive amid heightened scrutiny of childcare safety. A recent Four Corners investigation in October exposed how paedophiles have exploited regulatory gaps and staffing issues to infiltrate Australian childcare centres.
The ABC has sought comment from Minister for Early Childhood Education Jess Walsh โฃon the matter.
