New WWC Laws in WA: What the “Banned in One, Banned in All” Rule Means for Schools
Western Australia has taken a major step forward in child safety. The Working with Children (Screening) Amendment Bill 2025 has officially passed the WA Parliament, closing a long standing loophole with a straightforward principle: if you are banned from working with children in one Australian state or territory, you are banned in all of them.
This nationwide mutual recognition framework will come into effect in the coming months. Here is a clear breakdown of what is changing, who is affected, and what steps you need to take.
What Are the Key Changes?
Historically, Working with Children (WWC) screening systems were managed separately across state and territory lines. Under the new laws:
Any adverse WWC decision including a ban, negative notice, or restricted/conditional clearance issued in another state or territory will automatically apply in Western Australia.
Anyone with an adverse interstate decision will no longer be eligible to hold a WA WWC Card or have a pending application approved.
Impacted individuals cannot bypass the ban through standard exemptions, such as parent volunteer roles, child volunteer positions, or unpaid student placements. Breaching this rule is an offence under the Working with Children (Screening) Act 2004 and carries legal prosecution.
Does This Affect You?
Current WA Cardholder / Applicant (Clean Record): No action required. The vast majority of workers and volunteers will experience no change to their status.
Current Cardholder with an Adverse Interstate Decision: Your WA WWC Card will be cancelled, and any pending application will be withdrawn. Both you and your employer will be formally notified.
Employers & Education Providers: You will receive formal notification if any employee or student’s WWC status is revoked. Impacted individuals must cease child related work immediately.
What Happens if a Card is Cancelled?
If your card is cancelled or an application is withdrawn due to an interstate ruling, you must immediately stop engaging in all child related work or volunteering.
Because the WA Screening Unit does not have the legal authority to review or overturn decisions made by other jurisdictions, any questions or appeals must be directed to the screening authority in the state or territory where the original decision was made.
Where to Find More Information
For questions about your WA clearance, you can contact the WA WWC Screening Unit directly at [email protected] or visit the official portal at workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au. For language support, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.
