Obtaining your Working with Children Check (WWCC)

At Goodstart, all our staff in centres and our centre-support (head) office are required to have a valid working with children check (WWCC). We take safety very seriously and have a dedicated team of Child Safeguarding protection professionals who work tirelessly to ensure our commitment to safeguarding children. 

A Working with Children check is a compulsory screening process that state and territory governments use to ensure that anyone who works or volunteers with children meet strict regulatory compliance.  

To learn more about requirements for becoming a Goodstarter, view our FAQ document here

If you are applying to work with disabled children and people, or in a child protection, you may also need to apply for additional Working with Vulnerable people (WWVP) checks.  

How to apply for a Working with Children Check (WWCC)

You need to apply for a working with children check through your state or territory government authority. 

Find out more information using the links below:

• Victoria Working with Children Check | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)
• Western Australia Working with Children Check (www.wa.gov.au)
• New South Wales Working with Children Check | Office of the Children's Guardian (nsw.gov.au)
• Queensland Blue Card Services | Your rights, crime and the law | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)
• South Australia Working with Children Checks (www.sa.gov.au)
• Tasmania Apply for registration to work with vulnerable people (www.tas.gov.au)
• Northern Territory Working with children clearance: apply and renew (nt.gov.au)
• Australian Capital Territory Working with Vulnerable People - Access Canberra (act.gov.au)

What do I need to apply for a Working with Children Check (WWCC)?

You will need to check the application requirement with your relevant state and territory authority. Most WWCC applications can be completed online and require at least 100 points of identification. 

You will also need to pay a processing fee.   

• Victoria Working with Children Check | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)
• Western Australia Working with Children Check (www.wa.gov.au)
• New South Wales Working with Children Check | Office of the Children's Guardian (nsw.gov.au)
• Queensland Blue Card Services | Your rights, crime and the law | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)
• South Australia Working with Children Checks (www.sa.gov.au)
• Tasmania Apply for registration to work with vulnerable people (tas.gov.au)
• Northern Territory Working with children clearance: apply and renew (nt.gov.au)
• Australian Capital Territory Working with Vulnerable People - Access Canberra (act.gov.au)

How long does working with children check last?

In all states and territories (except Northern Territory), the WWCC check is valid for 5 years.* 

In the Northern Territory, it is only valid 2 years. 

If you are renewing your WWCC then you need to ensure you meet the deadlines for submission which may be several months prior to the expiry. Otherwise, you may not be cleared to work which may result in being stood down until approval has cleared. 

*All information is current as of 18 October 2024. Make sure you visit your applicable state/territory government authority page for more information.