What is the difference between a WWC Check and a police records check?
A police records check is only valid at the time of issue and identifies any court outcomes with a finding of guilt. The WWC Check is valid for 5 years (unless revoked). During this time, cardholders continue to be checked for new relevant offences or disciplinary findings in relation to serious sexual, violent and drug offences; and relevant findings from certain professional bodies.
Do I need to apply for a WWC Check if I already have a police records check?
The WWC Check is not the same as a standard police records check. A staff member or volunteer undertaking ?child-related work?, in a position that requires a WWC Check under the Working with Children Act 2005 (the Act), must have a WWC Check even if they have had a police records check.
Do I need to apply for a WWC Check if I have already obtained a WWC Check when working for a previous employer?
You do not need to obtain a new WWC Check card providing you hold a current and valid WWC Check. You will however need to complete and submit a WWC Check Notification of Change of Personal Details Form available from the Department of Justice website. This form notifies the Department of Justice of details of your new employer.
Who receives the WWC Check results?
The individual who applied for the check will be sent the results of the WWC Check in the mail. The Department of Justice will also send a copy of an applicant?s Assessment Notice (or Interim Negative or Negative Notice) to the University (where they are the known employer). The accompanying letter will not include information about an applicant’s criminal history or about disciplinary findings.
What will happen if I receive a Negative Notice?
Under the Working with Children Act 2005 it is an offence for an employee, or an employer to allow an employee, to engage in child-related work if a Negative Notice has been issued.
How do I apply for a WWC Check?
A staff member can apply for a WWC Check by obtaining a WWC Check application form from the Department of Justice website or from participating Australia Post outlets. Completed application forms must be lodged at participating Australia Post outlets along with the required documentation (refer to the application form for further information). The staff member must also pay the required fee when lodging the application form.
What do I do if my WWC Check card is lost, stolen or damaged?
A staff member can apply for a replacement card by completing an ?Application for a Replacement Card Form? available from the Department of Justice website. A fee is payable when obtaining a replacement ‘employee’ WWC Check card.
Do I need a WWC Check if I am required to supervise a Year 10 work experience student?
The Working with Children Act 2005 states that ?a person is not engaged in child-related work merely because he or she? is supervising a child undertaking practical training as part of an arrangement or agreement?. If the arrangement with the work experience student involves regular and direct contact with children and is in connection with one of the 20 specified occupational fields, you may require a WWC Check. Please contact your Human Resources Consultant for further advice.
I am a lecturer and teach a number of students who are under 18 years of age. Do I need a WWC Check?
No, because ‘lecturing’ is not one of the 20 occupational fields listed in the Working with Children Act 2005.
Do staff members require WWC Checks if they work on Open Day?
No, because Open Day does not involve regular and direct contact with children and it is not related to one of the 20 occupational fields listed in the Working with Children Act 2005.
I supervise an apprentice / trainee employed by the University. Do I require a WWC Check?
No, unless the work undertaken by the apprentice or trainee is listed as one of the 20 occupational fields outlined in the Working with Children Act 2005. Please contact your Human Resources Consultant for further advice.