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Be Aware Of Changes To Working With Children Check

Working With Children Check

Those applying for a Working with Children (WWC) Check should be aware of changes made to the application process, said Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe.

By Russell Northe - 23rd March 2011 - Back to News

Mr Northe said in 2009, the previous Victorian Government undertook a review of the Working with Children Act 2005 (the Act) to ensure the Working with Children Check was meeting its aim of providing a safer community for children, whilst not overburdening those required to comply with the WWC Check.

The Working with Children Amendment Act 2010 received bilateral support in both Houses of Parliament and came into operation on 25 August 2010.

The amending Act aimed to improve the efficacy and clarity of the current Act through:

• streamlining the existing WWC Check application and assessment processes by introducing additional flexibilities;

• improving the operation of the WWC Check to reduce the regulatory burden;

• improving the flow and exchange of information to further enhance the WWC Check; and

• creating a number of additional offences including making it an offence for sex offenders to apply.

"Due to these changes, when applying for a WWC Check, it’s important that community members note that application forms are now in orange rather than purple," said Mr Northe.

Mr Northe said the Working with Children Check creates a mandatory minimum checking standard across Victoria.

"The WWC Check helps to keep children safe by preventing those who pose a risk to the safety of children from working with them, in either paid or volunteer work.

"If you work or volunteer with children you may need to apply for a WWC Check. Employers, volunteer organisations and agencies must ensure that any of their staff or volunteers who need a WWC Check have applied.

"Application forms can be found at any Australia Post outlet. Further information can be found on the Department of Justice website www.justice.vic.gov.au, or by phoning 1300 652 879 between 8:30am – 5:00pm on weekdays."

Media: Russell Northe 0408 22 55 23 / Julia Auciello 5133 9088

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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