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.
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 reforms may affect:
- new applicants
- people renewing their clearance
- existing clearance holders
- employers
- volunteer organisations
- organisations that assist people to apply.
Not every reform will affect every applicant, employer or organisation.
What is coming
Subject to final policy, legal and legislative approvals, upcoming stages of the reform program are expected to include:
- updated application forms and new informed consent and applicant self-disclosure requirements
- mutual recognition of negative notices across participating Australian jurisdictions (banned in one, banned in all)
- enhanced national information sharing and ongoing monitoring in line with the National Worker Screening Framework
- legislative reforms, including potential changes to when a WWCC is required
- improvements to customer information, digital services and application processes to support a more streamlined application experience
- working towards nationally recognised WWCCs.
Completed changes **hidden, make H2 when going live**
Updated forms
Updated working with children clearance forms have been introduced as part of the first stage of the NT Worker Screening National Reform Program. The overall application process remains mostly the same.
These updates support a more informed and nationally aligned worker screening process and help ensure SAFE NT has the information required to assess applications under the updated legislative framework.
The updated forms include:
- new informed consent requirements
- new self-disclosure questions
- improved layout and guidance to make the forms easier to complete.
You must use the current version of the forms when applying for or renewing a WWCC.
New consent section
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.
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 Working with Children Clearance. 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 changes also provide greater transparency about how your information may be managed throughout the assessment process.
Self-disclosure questions
The updated forms include new self-disclosure questions.
You will be asked 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.
If you answer ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, you will be asked to provide additional information. SAFE NT may contact you if further information is required to support your application's assessment.
Being asked to provide additional information does not automatically mean your application will be refused. The information is part of the overall assessment process and will be considered alongside other relevant information.
Contact
For more information on the coming reforms, email SAFENT.reform@pfes.nt.gov.au.
If you have questions about WWCC applications or renewals, email SAFENT.Police@nt.gov.au.