The Department of Communities has released a public consultation paper seeking feedback on potential Phase 2 reforms to WA’s Working with Children law.
The next phase of reforms aims to strengthen protections for WA’s children under the Working with Children (Screening) Act 2004 and address recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Phase 1 reforms came into effect in July 2023, with amendments to WWC legislation addressing critical recommendations of the Royal Commission, the statutory review of the Act and concerns raised by the WA Auditor General.
Phase 2 reforms focus on three key areas:
- changes to the categories of child-related work and access to exemptions from those categories
- changes to progress national consistency and portability of WWC Check outcomes across States and Territories.
- operational and effectiveness reforms around reporting obligations or avenues for employers and publication of information about people or entities who breach the Act.
Community-wide consultation on the potential Phase 2 changes aims to ensure the reforms are well-designed and appropriate for WA’s children and communities.
Submissions close on 23 September 2025. The submission form and more information can be found on our website.
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