Working With Children Check in Australia

If you’re planning to work or volunteer with children in Australia, one of the first things you’ll likely be asked for is a Working With Children Check (WWCC). This is not a course or training. It’s a mandatory government background check designed to help keep children safe. Each Australian state and territory runs its own Working With Children Check, with slightly different rules, costs and application processes, which are outlined below. What this post covers: What Is the Working With Children Check? Who needs it? How to Apply (Step‑by‑Step) WWCC State-By-State New South Wales (NSW) Victoria (VIC) Queensland (QLD) – Blue Card Western Australia (WA) South Australia (SA) Northern Territory (NT) – Ochre Card Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Additional Training & Courses Working With Children Check FAQs Final Notes What Is the Working With Children Check? A Working With Children Check (often called a WWCC, or by state names like the Blue Card in Queensland) is a mandatory background screening for anyone working or volunteering with children in Australia. It assesses your criminal history and professional conduct to determine whether you’re legally allowed to work with minors. Different states and territories administer their own checks under local legislation — but the purpose across all jurisdictions is the same: protecting children from harm by screening people who engage in child‑related work. Who Needs It? You generally need a WWCC if you: Work in schools, childcare, sport coaching or youth services Volunteer with children’s groups or events Deliver services where children are present (e.g. arts, social services) Requirements vary slightly by state or territory, so be sure to check local rules. How to Apply (Step‑by‑Step) While each state has its own regulator (details per state below), the general process is: Apply Online – Submit your application via the relevant state/territory government portal. Verify Identity – Provide acceptable ID (drivers licence, passport, etc.). Some states require in‑person verification (e.g., NSW). Police & Background Check – The agency conducts criminal history screening and professional assessments. Clearance Issued – If you meet requirements, you will be granted clearance valid for the set period. Please Note: You must apply in the correct state where the child‑related work will occur. WWCC State-By-State Each Australian state and territory runs its own Working With Children Check, with slightly different rules, costs and application processes. Below is a clear, state-by-state guide so you can quickly find what applies to you and get everything together that you need to apply: New South Wales (NSW) Victoria (VIC) Queensland (QLD) – Blue Card Western Australia (WA) South Australia (SA) Northern Territory (NT) – Ochre Card Australian Capital Territory (ACT). New South Wales (NSW) The Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for anyone who works with or volunteers in child-related work in NSW. It involves a National Police Check (criminal history record check) and a review of reportable workplace misconduct. Validity Valid for 5 years Issued by the Office of the Children’s Guardian Cost Paid work: $107 Volunteers: Free How Long Does the Check Take Takes about 15 minutes to complete the online form Usually takes 4 weeks to receive confirmation (3–12 weeks) Many people receive clearance sooner if there are no issues Employers will often accept your application number while you wait How to apply (Official Government Link) Select the 'Apply online' button on the Service NSW website, Apply for a Working with Children Check. Complete the online form, ensuring the name you enter matches your identity documents exactly. Visit a Service NSW Centre to present your original identity documents and (if applicable) pay the fee. You must visit a Service NSW Centre within 28 days of completing the online application form. Note: Once you've provided the documents below at the service centre, the National Police Criminal History check begins. What ID you need Four proof of identity (POI) documents including the below. I've included what you should use: One commencement/form of identity document (first, middle and family name): current Australian visa document.As a New Zealander, you can obtain details of your entry into Australia using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online system (VEVO). This will satisfy the commencement of identity document requirement. One primary use of the community document (must include your first and family name): your passport. Current passport issued by a country other than Australia, supported by your current Australian visa document (above). 2 secondary use in the community documents: current credit or account card issued by a bank and a bank statement or letter up to 12 months old, issued by a bank, including the applicant's account number or account type, and financial institute letterhead or financial institute branch stamp. Note: to use more than one bank or credit card as a secondary use in the community document, the cards must be from different institutions. Overseas bank cards and bank statements are accepted in English. At least one of your documents must contain your signature and photo. Your POI documents must be current and original. More information To find out when a WWCC is required, visit Who needs a WWCC. If you'd like help with your application, contact the Office of the Children's Guardian. Victoria (VIC) The Working with Children Check is a screening process for assessing or re-assessing people who work with or care for children in Victoria. Validity Valid for 5 years Managed by Working with Children Check Victoria. Cost Paid work: $135.50 Volunteers: Free How Long the Check Takes The online application takes about 15 minutes Commonly 1–12 weeks Straightforward applications are often processed more quickly. How to apply (Official Government Link) What you'll need to do: Apply online at Service Victoria Verifiy your identity using your phone. They’ll show you which documents you need (more info below). Fill out the online form Pay if you need to Consent to us passing your info on to do your check. What ID you need The three identity documents you need: Foreign passport linked to a valid Australian visa — national police check will count this as 2 documents. Details from a bank account you use regularly — if you hold a foreign passport. Watch this video explaining the process of verifiying your identity with your smart phone. It takes you through exactly what you need to know, including taking photos of your original ID documents, completing the liveness test (with your phone camera), and taking a passport-style picture of yourself. More information You can find FAQ on the Service Australlia website. Queensland (QLD) – Blue Card In Queensland, the Working With Children Check is called a Blue Card. To work, volunteer or operate a business in regulated child-related employment or business in Queensland, you may need a blue or exemption card. Please note: You will need a Customer Reference Number (CRN) from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) before you apply for your blue or exemption card to prove your identity. The quickest way to get a CRN is with myGov. To start you need a myGov account. If you don’t have one, you can find out how to create one on the myGov website. Validity Valid for 3 years Issued by Blue Card Services Cost Paid employees: approx $101.30 Volunteers and students: Free How Long the Check Takes First you need to get your CRN - follow these steps to get a CRN. Complete online form, about 15 minutes Typically 2–8 weeks Can take longer if further assessment is required Apply for a blue or exemption card (Official Government Link) To apply for a blue or exemption card, follow these 3 steps: Have your CRN nearby to reference. Register for an online account. This is how we verify your identity and get the photo for your card. Apply for your blue or exemption card using the online applicant portal or download the paper form. More information Read more about the blue card system on the Queensland Government website. Western Australia (WA) The Working with Children (WWC) Check is a compulsory screening strategy for people engaging in child-related work in Western Australia (WA) and the Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. You are not able to apply for a WWCC in WA before you have found a job or volunteer position, because your employer, volunteer organisation or education provider must complete and sign specific parts of the application form (more below). Important Notice – Processing and Enquiry Delays The WWC Screening Unit is currently experiencing extended delays in processing Working with Children (WWC) applications. They are working hard to finalise applications as quickly as possible. Please remember that an application receipt serves as proof of a pending application and, in most cases, allows a person to begin or continue in child-related work. Their WWC Customer Support Centre is also receiving a very high volume of queries related to these matters. This has resulted in longer wait times when calling and significant delays in responses to emails. They greatly appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to resolve these issues. Validity Valid for 3 years Issued by the Working With Children Screening Unit Cost Paid or self-employed: approx $87 Volunteers / students: approx $11 How Long the Check Takes Usually 2–6 weeks Processing times can vary during busy periods How do I apply for a WWC Check (Official Government Link) Watch this video explaining how you can apply for a WWC Check in WA. Complete an application form - WWC Check Application Forms are currently provided in hardcopy format and are available from authorised Australia Post outlets.A Sample WWC Check Application Form (PDF, 1.01MB) and Guide APP06: Completing a WWC Check Application Form (PDF, 452.66KB) can be found on their Resource page. Lodge an application form - When lodging a WWC Check Application Form at an authorised Australia Post outlet the person must present certain documents to prove their identity, so the correct criminal record information is obtained. The person will need to provide: a completed and signed WWC Check Application Form the required fee 100 points of identification. A list of current identification documents accepted for WWC Checks can be found in the Sample WWC Check Application Form (PDF, 1.01MB). What ID you need You must provide a combination of identity documents to meet the 100 point proof of identity check. There are different combinations but as a New Zealander the below is your best option. Current passport (date of birth, photographic ID) - 70 points Credit or account card - 25 points Bank statement (proof of current address) - 25 points Please note, that I have not beenable to confirm that the above is acceptable, but it doesn't state anywhere that a card and statement can't both be used. Pleas email me if you discover the above is not correct, or if it is. Thanks! More information Read more about the Working with Children Check on the Government of Western Australia website. South Australia (SA) You need a Working with Children Check (WWCC) if you work, or intend to work, as an employee or volunteer, in a child-related area. People living outside of Australia can apply for a screening check by completing the online application. It doesn't state if New Zealanders are able to do this or not, because we can not provide a copy of our visa, as we don't get until we arrive in Australia. Here is more information on the South Australia Government website, Applicants living outside of Australia. Validity Valid for 5 years Managed by the DHS Screening Unit Cost Paid work: approx $108 Volunteers: Free How Long the Check Takes Commonly 1–6 weeks Some applications may take longer if additional checks are required Steps to Apply for a SA WWCC Start Your Application: Go to the official SA.GOV.AU screening checks page to begin. Provide Details: You'll need to specify your role (e.g., volunteer or paid), the activity, and your personal information. Verify Your Identity: Use the Documentation Verification Service (DVS) as instructed on the site, providing details from your ID documents (like passport, bank statement and foreign drivers licence). Pay (If Applicable): Volunteers get a free WWCC, but there's a fee for paid employment checks. Submit & Wait: Once all parts are complete, the application goes to the DHS Screening Unit for assessment. Receive Notification: You'll get an email from DHS with the outcome (issued, expiry date, reference number) What ID you need You must provide a combination of identity documents to meet the 100 point proof of identity check. There are different combinations but as a New Zealander the below is your best option. Current passport (date of birth, photographic ID) - 70 points Bank card or statement - 25 points Foreign drives licence - 25 points Please note, that I have not beenable to confirm that the above is acceptable, but it doesn't state anywhere that a card and statement can't both be used. Pleas email me if you discover the above is not correct, or if it is. Thanks! More information Read more about the Working with Children Check on the Government of South Australia website. Northern Territory (NT) – Ochre Card To work or volunteer with children in the Northern Territory (NT), you must apply for a Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card). In the NT, the Working With Children Check is known as an Ochre Card. Validity Valid for 2 years Issued by SAFE NT Cost Paid work: approx $87 Volunteers: approx $8 How Long the Check Takes Usually 2–6 weeks Timeframes can vary depending on demand How to apply You can apply online, in person or by mail. Apply online via the NT Police SAFE NT website. It is fast and easy to complete. You must complete the application in one sitting. You can't save your information and return to it. Gather Documents: Have scanned copies (GIF, JPG, PDF, PNG, TIFF) of your identity documents (meeting 100 points), a passport-sized photo, and a Visa/MasterCard ready. Volunteer Form: If volunteering, get the Volunteer Declaration Form from your organization to claim the $8 fee. Go to the Portal: Visit the NT Police SAFE NT website. Complete in One Go: Fill out the form, upload docs, and pay; you can't save and return. What ID you need You must provide a combination of identity documents to meet the 100 point proof of identity check. There are different combinations but as a New Zealander the below is your best option: Current passport (date of birth, photographic ID) - 70 points Bank card or statement - 25 points Foreign drives licence - 25 points You also need to provide: Passport photo image – for use on the Ochre Card. Any submission documents that you wish to provide to the Screening Authority for consideration. Please note that Word documents cannot be attached. Please note, that I have not beenable to confirm that the above is acceptable, but it doesn't state anywhere that a card and statement can't both be used. Pleas email me if you discover the above is not correct, or if it is. Thanks! More information Read more about the Working with Children Check on the Northern Territory Government website. Australian Capital Territory (ACT) In ACT the Working with Children Check (WWCC) is a Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) Check, which covers children. Validity Valid for 5 years Issued by Access Canberra Cost Paid work: approx $157 Volunteers: Free How Long the Check Takes Generally 2–6 weeks May take longer if further screening is required Steps to Apply for an ACT WWVP Check: Go to the Access Canberra Website: Navigate to the Working with Vulnerable People registration page on the Access Canberra website. Create an Account: Set up your online account for the WWVP registration system. Complete Application Form: Fill out the online application, providing your personal details and declaring your work with children (or other vulnerable groups). Identity Verification: You must verify your identity with Access Canberra by visiting an Access Canberra service centre with your identity documents (the same ones as stated on your application form). They will check your documents to confirm your identity and take your photo for your WWVP registration card. Pay the Fee: There's a fee for paid work, but it's free for volunteer roles. Undergo Checks: Access Canberra processes your application, which includes a police check, reference checks, and a risk assessment. Receive Your Card: Once approved, you get your WWVP card, which must be kept current What ID you need Because of the background checks needed for a WWVP registration, you need to supply 4 forms of identity and: One must be a commencement proof of identity - an Australian Visa (must be supplied with a foreign passport linked to the Visa).As a New Zealander, you can obtain details of your entry into Australia using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online system (VEVO). This will satisfy the commencement of the identity document requirement. One must be a primary proof of identity - your passport. Current passport issued by a country other than Australia, supported by your current Australian visa document (above). Two must be secondary proof of identity - a driver's licence from another country and a bank card or credit card from an Australian financial institution. At least one of your documents must contain your signature and photo. Your documents must be current and original. More information Read more about the Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) on the ACT Government website, Access Canberra. Additional Training & Courses Unlike some other work cards (e.g., the White Card), the Working With Children Check is not a training course; it is a background screening process. Wikipedia However, a number of training courses complement the WWCC and are highly recommended, especially if you will be directly interacting with children, supervising them, or working in education or care services: Child Safety & Protection Courses These courses help you understand child safety laws, reporting obligations, and best practices: ChildSafe Australia offers online and face‑to‑face child safety standards training tailored to working with children. Many Training Providers offer units like Identify and Respond to Children at Risk and related child protection courses that employers value. In organisations like NSW’s Office of the Children’s Guardian, eLearning resources exist around creating child‑safe environments. Important: These training courses do not replace the required WWCC screening; they are supplementary. Working With Children Check FAQs Is the Working With Children Check a course or a training program? No. The WWCC is a background screening check, not a course. You do not need to study or sit an exam. Some employers may ask you to complete child safety or safeguarding training, but this is separate and does not replace the Working With Children Check. Do I need a WWCC before I apply for jobs? Often, yes, but not always. Many employers will allow you to: Apply for jobs without a WWCC, and Start work once you can show proof you’ve applied Always check with the employer, as requirements vary. Does my Working With Children Check transfer between states? No. Working With Children Checks are state-based. If you move interstate and continue working with children, you’ll usually need to apply again in the new state or territory. I’m volunteering. Do I still need one? Yes. In most states, volunteers still need a WWCC, even though the check is often free. I already have a police check. Is that enough? No. A police check is not the same as a Working With Children Check. The WWCC includes ongoing monitoring and additional screening that a standard police check does not. Can I pay a company to organise this for me? You can get help understanding the process, but only the government authority can issue a legitimate Working With Children Check. Be cautious of anyone offering to “fast-track” or “guarantee” approval. What happens if my check expires? If your WWCC expires: You must stop working with children immediately, and Apply for a renewal before resuming work Most states allow you to renew before the expiry date, which is strongly recommended. Final Notes Always apply in the state or territory where the work will take place Fees and processing times are set by governments and can change The official application links above are the most reliable and up-to-date sources You might be interested in… The below posts might interest you: Australian Tax Find a house to buy or rent in Australia Open an Australian Bank Account Still got unanswered questions? If you’ve read the above content and the answer to your question isn’t there, please write a comment below, and I’ll research the answer for you. Is there something else you want to know about? If you need advice on moving to Australia from New Zealand, I’ve created a helpful little questionnaire to point you in the right direction. It takes less than 30 seconds, so give it a go!