Victoria updates Working with Children Check scheme from October 2025

The Victorian Government has introduced a series of amendments to the Working with Children Check (WWCC) scheme, effective from October 2025. These changes introduce new compliance requirements for individuals and organisations engaged in child-related work, including those in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings.

The legislative updates apply under the Worker Screening Act 2020 and are designed to strengthen notification processes, clarify employer obligations, and align Victoria’s screening regime more closely with other Australian jurisdictions.

Key changes include:

• Immediate suspension powers
  The Worker Screening Unit can now suspend a person’s WWCC while an interim exclusion is under assessment. The individual may not engage in child-related work until a final decision is made.
• Automatic recognition of interstate exclusions
  A person who has been excluded from child-related work in another state or territory is automatically considered excluded in Victoria.
• Enhanced notification requirements
  When a WWCC is suspended, the Worker Screening Unit is required to notify the cardholder, their nominated organisation or employer, and relevant regulatory agencies.
• Cancellation of clearances
  A WWCC may be cancelled if the individual is found to have provided false or misleading information or is otherwise ineligible to hold a clearance.
• Extended time limits for prosecution
  The period within which authorities may lay charges for providing false or misleading information has been increased from 12 months to 5 years and 6 months.

Services operating under the National Quality Framework (NQF) and the Children’s Services Act 1996 in Victoria are reminded that it is a criminal offence for a person to work or volunteer with children without a valid WWCC. Employing or engaging someone without a valid clearance is also an offence.

Organisations are expected to:

• Ensure all staff and volunteers hold valid WWCCs before they commence child-related work.
• Regularly verify WWCC statuses, including using the bulk check tool available via the Service Victoria website or app.
• Take immediate action if notified of a suspension or cancellation.
• Update internal policies and procedures to reflect the changes.

The Victorian Department of Education recommends that services remain informed of their obligations and take steps to ensure ongoing compliance.

Further information is available via the official update on vic.gov.au.