NSW Government Cracks Down on Child Safety Failures After Alarming Audit

A sweeping audit has revealed that a staggering number of organizations in New South Wales are failing to comply with mandatory Working with Children Checks, prompting a government crackdown and legislative reform.

Out of 280 organizations reviewed, 244 were found non-compliant, with many allowing staff to begin working with children before verifying their clearance. The findings have sparked concern across sectors that rely on child-facing roles, including education, healthcare, and community services.

The fallout has already led to the dismissal of Children’s Guardian Steve Kinmond, who was found to have interfered with a check process. In response, the NSW government is launching a new campaign urging organizations to “check their checks,” backed by groups such as PCYC, St. John’s Ambulance, and Surf Lifesaving.

Education Minister Courtney Houssos announced plans for landmark legislation aimed at restoring trust in early childhood education and reinforcing that “children, not profit, must come first.”

The reforms are expected to introduce tougher penalties and clearer accountability measures to ensure that every adult working with children has been properly vetted.

Reference:
Shockingly Low Compliance On Working with Children Checks Sparks Crackdown In NSW