WA ECEC professionals urged to take note of new mandatory reporting requirements

The Western Australian Government recently passed legislation to extend mandatory reporting requirements to early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals, out-of-home care workers, registered psychologists, school counsellors, ministers of religion and youth justice workers. 

Amendments to the Children and Community Services Act aim to improve connection to family, culture and Country for Aboriginal children in care, while also responding to key recommendations of the landmark Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The Children and Community Services Amendment Bill 2021 passed State Parliament on Thursday last week, also incorporating recommendations from the 2017 Statutory Review of the Children and Community Services Act 2004. 

“The extension of mandatory reporting laws to ministers of religion and a number of other professions sends a clear message that child safety must always be paramount,” said Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk.

The staggered implementation of the eight new mandatory reporter groups is expected to increase the number of people legally required to report child sexual abuse by an estimated 55,000 reporters.

Further information about the Children and Community Services Amendment Bill 2021 can be viewed on the Department of Communities website.