Child safety reforms in WA take effect with November worker register deadline

Child safety amendments covering workforce oversight, training, electronic devices and regulatory powers commenced in Western Australia on 1 November 2026.

The Education and Care Regulatory Unit confirmed the commencement arrangements in an update published on 29 October. The changes apply to education and care services regulated under the National Quality Framework.

The package makes children’s safety, rights and best interests the paramount consideration in providing services. It also expands regulatory powers and triples offence penalties.

Existing workers must be registered by 30 November

WA providers have until 30 November 2026 to submit existing workers’ information to the National Early Childhood Worker Register.

The department’s implementation presentation says the requirement covers all staff who are not visitors. After the transition period, providers must enter new workers within 14 days of engagement and update worker information within 14 days of a change.

Training transition runs until 30 April 2027

Existing workers have until 30 April 2027 to complete the foundation and advanced child safety training applicable to their roles under WA’s transition arrangements.

The department says completing the prescribed foundation training satisfies both WA’s child protection and child safety training requirements.

ACECQA’s role-based requirements distinguish between:

• Staff working directly with children: foundation courses 1 and 2, plus advanced courses 3 and 4.
• Nominated supervisors and people in day-to-day charge: all five courses.
• People with management or control: foundation courses 1 and 2, plus advanced course 5.
• Staff not working directly with children, regular volunteers and eligible placement students: foundation courses 1 and 2.

The training is free and completed through the Australian Government’s Geccko platform. ACECQA provides further guidance on the roles covered and required courses.

Working with Children Check changes require notification

The department’s updates state WA is still progressing the legislative changes needed to fully implement a “no card, no start” approach.

It encourages providers to adopt that approach proactively wherever possible and consider risk-management measures, including supervision.

A Working with Children Check holder must notify their approved provider of a status change within 24 hours. The provider must then notify the regulatory authority within 24 hours of becoming aware.

Access ECRU’s update, amended tables and implementation information here.