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.
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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, future changes are expected to include:
- mutual recognition of negative notices across participating Australian jurisdictions (‘banned in one, banned in all’)
- enhanced national information sharing and ongoing monitoring
- 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
New application forms
New application forms have been introduced as the first changes to the NT’s WWCC scheme.
From 1 September 2026, applicants must use the new version of the application form when applying for or renewing a WWCC. Applications submitted using previous versions of the paper application forms will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant.
The new forms introduce:
- updated 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.
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.
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 updated forms include new 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 coming reforms, email SAFENT.Reform@pfes.nt.gov.au.
If you have questions about WWCC applications or renewals, email SAFENT.Police@nt.gov.au.