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The NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) has significantly increased its enforcement activities with the launch of Operation Sentinel. This new multi-disciplinary taskforce is designed to ensure all organisations across New South Wales remain fully compliant with Working with Children Check (WWCC) laws.
In its first five days of operation, the taskforce issued 18 fines totalling $21,500. These enforcement actions highlight the vital importance of verifying that every individual working with children has been properly cleared before they commence their duties.
The Focus of Operation Sentinel
The OCG has been proactive in providing accessible information regarding legal obligations. However, the message is clear for all Councils across Australia: compliance is a legal necessity, and regulators are moving toward more frequent audits
The recent breaches involved various sectors, including:
- Children’s employment in entertainment
- Training and tuition services
- Overnight respite care providers
The most frequent breach identified by compliance officers was the failure to verify the WWCC status of a worker or volunteer. In NSW, working with children is considered a privilege, and the government has reinforced this by boosting the OCG’s funding by $5.5 million to strengthen investigation and enforcement capabilities
Key Employer Responsibilities for WWCC Compliance
To ensure child safety and maintain organisational integrity, all employers and organisations engaging workers in child-related roles must adhere to the following legal requirements:
- Establish an Employer Profile: Register your organisation on the OCG’s WWCC system.
- Verify Every Worker: It is not enough for a worker to have a check; the employer must verify the status of each worker or volunteer through the online portal.
- Manage Unauthorised Personnel: Immediately remove any individuals from child-related work if they do not have a valid clearance.
- Maintain Accurate Records: Keep up-to-date documentation of all verified checks within your organisation.
The Consequences of Non-Compliance
The NSW Government has established some of the most robust child safety laws in the country. Following a breach, the OCG provides a clear timeline for remedial action. However, continued failure to meet these standards leads to significant penalties:
- Corporations: Fines of up to $11,000.
- Other Employers: Fines of up to $5,500.
- Individuals: Working without a valid WWCC is a criminal offence that can carry a sentence of up to two years’ imprisonment.
Strengthening Your Compliance Framework
Child safety is a shared responsibility. Ensuring your staff are cleared and verified is a fundamental component of effective compliance. By prioritising these verification processes, organisations demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards of safety and professional conduct. Maintaining a proactive approach to these regulations helps protect both the children in your care and the reputation of your organisation.
- View our Child Protection for Local Government Course
- View all our courses for Local Government
- Talk to a compliance specialist today