National Criminal History Tracker to Strengthen Working with Children Checks
Canberra – A national criminal history tracker for individuals applying for or holding Working with Children checks (WWCC) is set to be established, addressing a key vulnerability in child protection safeguards.The move follows increasing pressure on federal, state and territory governments to improve oversight of the childcare sector.
Since the last meeting of attorneys-general in August, five states – New South wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania – have begun recognising interstate decisions regarding WWCC applications. Previously, a loophole known as “forum shopping” allowed individuals with adverse records in one jurisdiction to potentially gain clearance in another where those records were not shared.
This practice was a significant concern highlighted in the 2015 royal commission report into working with children checks.
The Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory and Western Australia have committed to enacting legislation to close this loophole by the end of the year.
The changes arrive 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 on the matter.