What is a Police Check? Does our babysitter/nanny need one?

In most states it is required by law that if you are working with children you will need a police check or "Working with Children Check" (WWCC). We strongly recommend that parents ask to see an up to date original police report of the babysitter/nanny during the interview process.

A police history record check will show any criminal history conviction on the basis of findings of guilt. Most checks will not reveals any convictions that occurred more than 10 years ago.

More information about police checks and working with children checks for your state can be found below

New South Wales
Information about NSW police checks can be found by visiting www.police.nsw.gov.au

A "Working with Children Check" is only required if the babysitter/nanny works for an organisation such as an agency. If the babysitters/nannies are working independently in private homes they are not required to have one.
Information about "Working with Children Check" can be found at www.kids.nsw.gov.au

Victoria
Information about police checks can be found at www.police.vic.gov.au.
Victoria is currently instituting a "Working with Children Check". More information about "Working with Children Check" can be found at www.justice.vic.gov.au

Queensland
Depending on the circumstances a working with children check (blue card) may be required. Circumstances such as the number or regularity of visits. More information and a blue card application form can be found at www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au

ACT
Currently there are no legal requirements for people working with children to undertake a police check in ACT.
More information about Police History Records Check can be found at www.afp.gov.au.

Western Australia
A Working with Children Check is required for Western Australia.
More information about Working with Children Check can be found at www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au

Tasmania
Currently there are no legal requirements for people working with children to undertake a police check in Tasmania.
Information about Police History Records Check can be found at www.police.tas.gov.au.