Changes to the Working with Children Clearance scheme
The NT Government is strengthening the Working with Children Clearance (WWCC) scheme, commonly known as the Ochre Card.
The changes are designed to better protect children through a more effective, responsive and nationally aligned worker screening framework.
They will improve how screening decisions are made, with a focus on enhancing national information sharing and modernising business processes.
For more information, download the:
What is changing
The reforms include a range of changes designed to strengthen child safety and improve how the WWCC scheme operates, including:
- improved national information sharing
- new requirements for applicants
- changes to how WWCCs are managed throughout their lifecycle
- updated application forms, guidance and supporting information
- improved customer information, digital services and application processes.
Who it affects
The changes may affect:
- new applicants
- people renewing their clearance
- existing clearance holders
- employers
- volunteer organisations
- organisations that assist people to apply.
Not every change will affect every applicant, employer or organisation.
What is coming
Future changes are expected to include:
- enhanced national information sharing and ongoing monitoring
- changes to when a WWCC is required
- improvements to customer information, digital services and application processes to support a more streamlined application experience.
Information about further changes will be published as they are confirmed.
Completed changes
Legislative changes to the Northern Territory Working with Children Clearance (WWCC) scheme commenced on 10 November 2026.
'Banned in one, banned in all'
The changes introduce the national principle of 'banned in one, banned in all'.
This means if a person is banned from working with children in one Australian state or territory, they will be banned from working with children across all jurisdictions.
This helps prevent people who pose an unacceptable risk to children from moving to another state or territory to obtain a clearance.
SAFE NT will use information from other jurisdictions to support assessment and decision-making. It will share relevant NT Working with Children screening decisions and receive relevant decisions from other states and territories.
A relevant interstate refusal, revocation or other adverse Working with Children screening decision will result in the refusal or revocation of an NT WWCC.
For more information, download the 'Banned in one, banned in all' fact sheet PDF (683.1 KB).
Interstate clearances
Interstate Working with Children Clearances are not recognised in the NT.
You must hold a valid NT WWCC to work or volunteer with children in the NT where required by law.
Current clearance holders
If you hold a current NT WWCC, you do not need to reapply until you receive your renewal notice. You can submit a renewal application up to two months before your clearance expires.
SAFE NT continuously monitors clearance holders for new information. If new information becomes available, SAFE NT may reassess an application or clearance.
You remain responsible for notifying SAFE NT of reportable matters and changes to your circumstances as required by legislation.
Application forms
New application forms were introduced on 1 September 2026 as the first stage of changes to the NT’s WWCC scheme.
The easiest way to apply for or renew a WWCC is online, on Territory Services. When applying online, you will automatically access the current application form.
If you need to submit a paper application, download and fill in the current:
- paid employment working with children clearance form PDF (779.0 KB)
- volunteers working with children clearance form PDF (833.3 KB).
Previous versions of the paper application forms will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant.
The current application forms include:
- consent requirements
- self-disclosure questions
- improved layout and guidance to make the forms easier to complete.
While the application forms have changed, the overall WWCC application process remains largely unchanged.
The consent section has been updated to better explain how your personal information may be collected, used, shared and monitored when assessing your application and ongoing suitability to hold a WWCC.
By signing the application form, you consent to SAFE NT undertaking the checks and information sharing permitted under legislation to assess your eligibility to be issued with, or continue to hold, a WWCC. This includes collecting, using and sharing information with authorised worker screening authorities in other states and territories, along with other authorised agencies where permitted by legislation.
The updated consent provisions support nationally coordinated worker screening arrangements, including information sharing between participating jurisdictions. These arrangements help ensure that relevant worker screening information and decisions made in one jurisdiction can be taken into account in another, supporting the national 'banned in one, banned in all' approach.
The application forms include self-disclosure questions.
You are required to declare whether you have been involved in certain matters that may be relevant to assessing your suitability to work with children.
These questions cover areas such as:
- child protection matters
- overseas criminal history
- disciplinary or misconduct findings
- domestic and family violence matters where you were not the victim
- mandatory reporting obligations as a registrable sex offender
- matters currently before a court.
Applicants must complete all sections of the application honestly, accurately and completely.
If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the self-disclosure questions, you will be asked to provide additional information. SAFE NT may contact you if further information is required to support the assessment of your application.
Being asked to provide additional information does not automatically mean your application will be refused. The information forms part of the overall assessment process and will be considered alongside other relevant information when assessing your application.
Contact
For more information on the changes, email SAFENT.Reform@pfes.nt.gov.au.
If you have questions about WWCC applications or renewals, email SAFENT.Police@nt.gov.au.