Be prepared for new screening check requirements from 1 July 2019

From 1 July 2019, the number of workers who will need child-related work screening checks (to be called ‘Working With Children Checks’) will expand. A range of positions which involve interaction with children but which did not previously need to undergo any screening will need these new checks. This applies to employees, contractors and volunteers alike.

There are transitional arrangements in place. DCSI/DHS checks which were conducted within the three years before 1 July 2019 will continue to be valid until their expiry. Also, National Police Certificates which were obtained and assessed within the three years before 1 July 2019 will delay the requirement for a Working With Children Check until 1 July 2020.

New screening checks (to be called NDIS Worker Checks) for persons performing work under the National Disability Insurance Scheme also commence from 1 July 2019. Again, this applies to employees, contractor and volunteers. Like in the case with child screening checks, there are similar transitional arrangements in place for persons with existing DCSI/DHS disability screening checks.

If you engage employees, contractors or volunteers who do not already have appropriate screening checks in place, it will be necessary for an appropriate check to be obtained before 1 July 2019. It is unlawful for a person to work without the relevant clearance, or for an employer/principal to engage such a person.

Aged care screening requirements will remain unchanged for the time being.