Juniors
There is no single national framework setting out the requirements for obtaining Working With Children Checks or Police Checks. Each state and territory has their own procedures and it is necessary to fulfill the requirements in the jurisdiction(s) in which you are working/volunteering.
Most states and territories have introduced legislation providing for child-related employment pre-screening, or are working towards such legislation. The legislation identifies broad categories of child-related work where employers, employees and volunteers must fulfill screening requirements. There are important differences across jurisdictions regarding the type of screening programs that are in place, what records are checked, and who is required to undergo screening.
| Jurisdiction | Act | Type of program |
| ACT | No relevant Act | No formal Act or screening program, however, individual employers may require police checks at their discretion. |
| NSW | Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998 (NSW) | The NSW Working With Children Check is an employer driven "point-in-time" system entailing background checks of employees and the exclusion of prohibited persons from child-related occupations. |
| NT | Care and Protection of Children Act 2007 (NT) | Individuals are required to apply for a Working With Children Check, known as a "Clearance Notice" in the Northern Territory. A Clearance Notice is valid for two years, and applies to employers and volunteers in child-related employment settings. |
| Qld | Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act 2000 (Qld) | Individuals are required to apply for a Working With Children Check, known as a "Blue Card" in Queensland. Valid for two years, Blue Cards entitle individuals to engage in child-related occupations/volunteering. |
| SA | Children's Protection Act 1993 (SA) | The South Australian system is an employer driven "point-in-time" system requiring employers and responsible authorities to obtain criminal history checks for those engaging in child-related occupations/volunteering. |
| Tas. | No relevant Act | No formal Act or screening program, however, individual employers may require police checks at their discretion. |
| Vic. | Working With Children Act 2005 (Vic.) | Individuals are required to apply for a Working With Children Check. Valid for five years, the Check entitles individuals to engage in child-related occupations/volunteering. |
| WA | Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 (WA) | Individuals are required to apply for a Working With Children Check. Valid for three years, the Check entitles individuals to engage in child-related occupations/volunteering. |
For further information regarding juniors, contact your Zone Secretary
Sunshine Coast Junior Paddling Development Inc.