Under the Worker Screening Act 2020 and the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 in Australia, individuals engaged in child-related work are required to obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) if their work involves direct or indirect contact with children [[1](Working with Children Check: Valid for? 5 years: Who is required to obtain a check? All individuals engaged in child-related work)]. It is illegal to engage anyone who is 18 years or older in child-related work without a current WWCC, and obtaining one for a false declaration is also illegal [[1](Not everyone who has contact with children needs a Working with Children Check)]. However, not all individuals who have contact with children need to obtain a WWCC; only those who are doing child-related work and are not otherwise exempt under the Act [[1](Not everyone who has contact with children needs a Working with Children Check)]. In addition to the legal requirements, organizations may also have their own child safety policies [[1](Not everyone who has contact with children needs a Working with Children Check)].
The expectation from DSS for its funded services is that a working with children check is sufficient regardless of the legal implications of making an illegal application.
The penalties for making a false declaration and for the employer endorsing the application may vary depending on the jurisdiction in Australia. However, it is generally considered a criminal offence and may result in fines or imprisonment. The penalties and legislative references for each jurisdiction can be found in the following table:
Jurisdiction | Penalties | Legislative Reference |
Victoria | Fine up to 120 penalty units or imprisonment up to 2 years | Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 |
New South Wales | Fine up to $11,000 or imprisonment up to 5 years | Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 |
Queensland | Fine up to $22,019 or imprisonment up to 3 years | Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 |
Western Australia | Fine up to $50,000 or imprisonment up to 5 years | Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 |
South Australia | Fine up to $10,000 or imprisonment up to 2 years | Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 |
Tasmania | Fine up to $12,000 or imprisonment up to 12 months | Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1997 |
Northern Territory | Fine up to $10,000 or imprisonment up to 2 years | Care and Protection of Children Act |
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Note that the above penalties and legislative references are subject to change, and it is recommended to consult with legal professionals or relevant government authorities for the most up-to-date information. [[1](Not everyone who has contact with children needs a Working with Children Check)][[2](Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012)][[3](Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000)][[4](Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004)][[5](Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016)][[6](Care and Protection of Children Act)]
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