Working with Children Check - Amendments to the Act

Find out the latest information about amendments to the Working with Children legislation.
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colourful graphic with the words "Changes are coming! Banned in one, banned in all"

Mutual recognition of negative Working with Children Check decisions

On 14 November 2025 the Standing Council of Attorneys-General agreed to deliver National Working with Children Check (WWC) Reform to improve safety for children across Australia.

Priority Action 1 is implementing mutual recognition of negative WWC Check decisions, which includes negative notices, suspensions and interim bars.

This means a person who has been rejected for a WWC Check in one jurisdiction will be rejected in other jurisdictions – banned in one, banned in all.

Western Australia is progressing the Working with Children (Screening) Amendment Bill 2025 to reflect this national priority.

Working with Children (Screening) Act 2004

Working with Children (Screening) Amendment Bill 2025

Working with Children (Screening) Amendment Bill 2025 Explanatory Memorandum

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