WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECKS (WWC Checks) and
NATIONAL POLICE CLEARANCES
The following provides an outline of the University of Western Australia’s obligations as an employer in seeking both Working with Children Checks and National Police Clearances.
The new Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 introduces compulsory criminal record checking to ensure a consistent and high standard of checking for certain people who work with children. The Act aims to protect children from harm by introducing a high standard of compulsory national criminal record checking for people working with children in Western Australia.
For comprehensive information on the WWC Check, including details of the legislation and when to apply, go to the WWC Website at :–
www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au
The University also requires a National Police Clearance in conjunction with a WWWC Check.
Applications are lodged at Australia Post Shops or Agencies.
Who needs a WWC Check?
The WWC (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 requires that employers obtain a WWC check in child-related work only if the usual duties of the work involve, or are likely to involve, contact with a child.
Contact includes any form of –
- physical contact
- oral communication, whether fact-to-face, by telephone or otherwise, and
- electronic communication.
Who doesn’t need a WWC Check?
People who are not in child-related work are not eligible for a WWC Check. “Child related work” has a specific definition in the legislation and does not include all work where there is contact with children.
There are many work situations where there is occasional contact with children or where the customers may be children, including the general retail industry, the local deli or the cinema. However, it is not reasonable, nor is it the intention of this legislation, to require screening of persons working in general work situations.
An exemption applies where accommodation and educational services are provided to enrolled students (some of whom may be under 18 yrs old) by a university or tertiary college.
While applications from ineligible employees will not be processed by the Department for Community Development, it is important to ensure that eligibility is verified prior to lodgement of Application Form (a fee is payable upon lodgement).
When to apply
- Staff who commence on or after 1 January 2008 must have (or apply for) a WWC Check within five days of commencement
- Staff who commenced between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2007 should now have a WWC Check
- Staff who commenced prior to 1 January 2006 must obtain a WWC Check before 31 December 2008.
Further help?
Assistance regarding eligibility or any other queries can be provided by the Working with Children Screening Unit by contacting them during the hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm on :–
Tel: 08 6217 8100
Fax: 08 9485 1944
Email: checkquery@dcd.wa.gov.au
Do not hesitate to contact HR Services (Ext 2322 or email louise.churchill@uwa.edu.au for further information on the University’s requirements.
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