Delays in Child Reform in WA

Western Australia is facing questions over delays to key child safety reforms, after becoming the only state yet to pass so-called ‘banned in one, banned in all’ Working with Children Check laws. This legislation was introduced in December but is yet to be promulgated. The changes would automatically block anyone refused clearance in another jurisdiction from working with children here — but the legislation is still yet to pass Parliament. It comes as WA is also being criticised for lagging behind national child-safe standards more broadly.

Beth Mackiewicz chats with Dr Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, WA’s Commissioner for Children and Young People.