Working with Children Checks aim to create a child-safe environment and to protect children and young people involved in our sport from physical and sexual harm.
They assess the suitability of people to work with children and young people and can involve:
(a) criminal history checks;
(b) signed declarations;
(c) referee checks; and
(d) other relevant background checks to assess a person’s suitability to work with children and young people.
Detailed information, including the forms required to complete a Working with Children Check, are available from the relevant agencies in each state and territory.
| State / Territory | Details |
| Australian Capital Territory |
Contact the Office of Regulatory Services |
| New South Wales |
Contact the Office of the Children’s Guardian |
| Northern Territory |
Contact the Northern Territory Screening Authority |
| Queensland |
Contact the Queensland Government Blue Card Services |
| South Australia |
Contact the Department for Education and Child Development |
| Tasmania |
Contact the Department of Justice |
| Victoria |
Contact the Department of Justice |
| Western Australia |
Contact the Department for Child Protection |
Travelling to other states or territories
It is important to remember that when travelling to other states or territories, representatives of sporting organisations must comply with the legislative requirements of that particular state or territory.
In certain jurisdictions, temporary, time limited exemptions from working with children checks may be available for interstate visitors with a Working with Children Check in their home state.
The laws providing interstate exemptions are not consistent across Australia.
If an employee or volunteer for your organisation is travelling interstate to do work that would normally require a working for children check, you will need to check the relevant requirements of that state or territory.
Child Protection and Procedures for Handling Allegations of Child Abuse
The MPP provides details as to procedures which should apply in instances of allegations of Child Abuse.
Further, child protection legislation imposes obligations on organisations and participants in relation to reporting and screening processes. Currently, there is no national legislation and child protection system. However, each state and territory has child protection laws specifying responsibilities for both organisations and individuals who work or have contact with children.
Fact sheets on child protection and reporting allegations of child abuse in different states and territories are available at www.playbytherules.net.au
If you believe a child is in immediate danger or a life-threatening situation, you should contact the Police immediately.
Contact details for advice or to report an allegation of child abuse are:
Australian Capital Territory
ACT Police
Non-urgent police assistance
Ph: 131 444
Child and Youth Protection Services
Ph: 1300 556 729
New South Wales
New South Wales Police
Non-urgent police assistance
Ph: 131 444
Department of Family and Community Services
Ph: 132 111
Northern Territory
Northern Territory Police
Non-urgent police assistance
Ph: 131 444
Department of Children and Families
Ph: 1800 700 250
Queensland
Queensland Police Non-urgent police assistance
Ph: 131 444
Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services
Ph: 1800 811 810
South Australia
South Australia Police
Non-urgent police assistance
Ph: 131 444
Department for Education and Child Development
Ph: 131 478
Tasmania
Tasmania Police
Non-urgent police assistance
Ph: 131 444
Department of Health and Human Services
Ph: 1300 737 639
Victoria
Victoria Police
Non-urgent police assistance
Ph: (03) 9247 6666
Department of Human Services
Ph: 131 278
Western Australia
Western Australia Police
Non-urgent police assistance
Ph: 131 444
Department for Child Protection and Family Support
Ph: (08) 9222 2555 or 1800 622 258
Below are links to two useful posters that Clubs and Associations may want to print off and put up around Club or Association common spaces and facilities to assist in raising the awareness of participants of a Club's or Association's MPIO and the commitment to making football a safe sport for everyone:
Football Australia Child Safe Sport Poster
Football Australia Safeguarding Children in Football Poster
To obtain high-resolution, print quality versions of these posters, please contact MPIO@footballaustralia.com.au
Useful Publically Available Resources
For information on useful online courses related to sport, click on this link HERE
Government websites which may be able to assist you in Member Protection or Child Protection matters are: