Working With Children Check: A State-by-State Guide

If your work brings you into contact with children — a common reality for many Psychologists, OTs, and Speech Pathologists, particularly in paediatric, school, and community settings — you'll need a Working With Children Check (WWCC). One thing that catches people out, especially if they're relocating between states: there is no single national check. Each state and territory runs its own scheme, under its own name, with its own validity period.

Here's the breakdown:

• NSW, VIC, SA: called the Working With Children Check (WWCC) — generally valid 5 years
• Queensland: called the Blue Card — generally valid 3 years
• Western Australia: called the WWC Card — generally valid 3 years
• Tasmania: Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP) — generally valid 3 years
• ACT: Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration — generally valid 5 years
• Northern Territory: the Ochre Card — shortest validity period nationally, generally around 2 years

The practical implication for allied health professionals: if you relocate for a role — a common pattern in this industry, particularly for regional and remote placements — you'll typically need to apply for the new state's check, not simply transfer your existing one. Each jurisdiction's screening unit is the only body legally authorised to conduct that state's check.

What's actually involved is broadly consistent across states even though the names differ: a national police history check, combined with a review of any reportable workplace misconduct. Most states require it for anyone whose role involves direct contact with children — this generally includes paediatric wards, children's health services, school-based roles, and healthcare delivered in education settings. Some states apply a narrower carve-out (e.g. doctors seeing children only occasionally, always accompanied by a parent) — but as a general rule, if paediatric or school-based work is a meaningful part of your role, assume you'll need it.

A national reform is underway but not yet complete: all Australian governments are working on a National Continuous Checking Capability, which will provide ongoing monitoring of criminal-history changes for check-holders, with rollout beginning from late 2025. For now, though, the eight separate state and territory schemes remain the reality — plan on applying in whichever specific jurisdiction you'll be working in.

Practical tip: working in child-related roles without a current, valid check is a criminal offence in every state and territory, with significant penalties. If you're planning a move or a new role, start your application as early as possible — processing times vary by state and can take several weeks.

Sources

• National Office for Child Safety, Working with Children Check Reform. Read on the official website →
• Australian Government Department of Education, Working with children checks. Read on the official website →
• Avant, Working with children check (health-sector specific guidance). Read the full article →

This article is general information only and not migration, legal, or financial advice. Requirements change — always confirm current details with the relevant official body before acting.