Everything you need to know about the WWCC if you're a parent, nanny, or carer.
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Why the WWCC is Non-Negotiable in Childcare
The Working With Children Check isn’t just a box to tick — it’s a vital safety measure. Whether you're hiring a nanny, family assistant, or babysitter, this background check helps ensure the person you trust with your children has no serious criminal history.
What is a Working With Children Check?
By Justine Murray Australian Nanny Agency | July 2025
As concern grows over the inconsistency of child safety standards across Australia, experts and families alike are renewing calls for a national Working With Children Check (WWCC) system. While each state and territory currently issues its own version of the check, the fragmented nature of the system has sparked confusion, duplication — and, in some cases, risk.
Why the WWCC Exists
The Working With Children Check is a screening process designed to protect children from harm by preventing individuals with relevant criminal or disciplinary records from working or volunteering with children. The check examines criminal history, including charges, convictions, and even pending matters, alongside findings from professional conduct bodies.
While it may sound similar to a National Police Check, the WWCC is far more specific. It not only looks at a person’s criminal background but also includes non-conviction information and professional complaints where applicable. In most states, it’s mandatory for nannies, teachers, childcare workers, and sports coaches.
"Parents have every right to expect that someone working closely with children has been properly screened," said Megan Mitchell, former National Children's Commissioner. "But the reality is, Australia’s current system leaves too much room for error."
How It Works — and Where It Fails
Each Australian state and territory operates its own WWCC scheme:
- NSW: NSW Working WithChildrenCheck
- VIC: Victoria WWCC
- QLD: Blue Card System
- WA: Working With Children Check WA
- SA, TAS, NT, ACT — each has its own variations, application fees, and validity periods.
Because these systems don’t "talk" to each other, a person barred from working with children in one state could theoretically move interstate and pass a check elsewhere.
In 2023, a Senate inquiry into child safety called this loophole “deeply concerning”, and pushed for the creation of a unified, national register.
“A national Working With Children Check is common sense,” said Senator Rachel Siewert, who chaired the inquiry. “It shouldn’t matter what state you live in — the standard of protection for our kids should be equal.”
How to Check If Someone Has a WWCC
If you’re a parent or employer, it’s critical to know how to verify that a candidate holds a valid Working With Children Check.
Each state offers a verification portal:
- NSW: Check a WWCC
- VIC: Validate a card
- QLD: Card status checker
- WA: Verify a Card
You'll need the candidate’s full name, card number, and date of birth. Reputable nanny agencies should do this verification as part of their compliance process.
At the Australian Nanny Agency, we confirm every WWCC ourselves and retain expiry alerts in our compliance software, ensuring families always receive fully vetted professionals.
How Long Does It Last?
The WWCC is valid for up to five years depending on the state. Importantly, it’s a continuous monitoring system in most areas — meaning that if the cardholder is charged with an offence during that period, their clearance can be revoked automatically.
However, this monitoring only applies within the state of issue. If someone moves interstate, there’s no automatic trigger for reassessment. This gap highlights the core issue: Australia's current system is only as strong as its borders.
Case for a National Check
In early 2024, several childcare and nanny placement agencies joined forces to submit a letter to the federal government, urging the creation of a federal Working With Children framework. Among the signatories were The Australian Nanny Association and leading legal advocates from the Human Rights Law Centre.
Their proposal outlined three key issues:
- Duplication for Workers – Nannies working in multiple states (e.g., FIFO roles) must pay and apply for multiple checks.
- Inconsistency in Screening Criteria – Each state applies different risk thresholds and exclusions.
- Tracking Limitations – No real-time alerts for cross-border movements or bans.
"You wouldn't have a driver’s licence that only works in one state — so why is it acceptable for something as critical as child protection?" said Sarah Appleton, a Sydney-based family law expert.
What Parents Should Do
Until there’s a national system, the safest move is to always verify the WWCC yourself using the state database. Don’t rely on a physical card alone — the verification process is free and only takes a minute.
And most importantly, ask for proof before any nanny or babysitter begins work. A professional will never hesitate to share their check.
Quick Tips for Families Hiring a Nanny:
✓Ask for the WWCC number and expiry
✓Use the correct state verification portal
✓Be aware: a Police Check is
not the same thing
✓Use agencies who verify checks on your behalf
✓Check the WWCC status every 6–12 months, especially if self-hiring
Conclusion: It’s Time for a National Standard
As Australia’s population becomes more mobile, and as remote placements become more common, the lack of a consistent, national Working With Children Check is no longer just inconvenient — it's unsafe.
Whether you’re a parent hiring a nanny in Melbourne, or a FIFO family bringing in a caregiver for your Darwin roster, you deserve the same peace of mind.
Until federal reform is achieved, the best protection remains: Ask. Verify. Confirm.
Related Resources:
FAQs on working with Children Check
What is a Working With Children Check (WWCC)?
What is a Working With Children Check (WWCC)?
A WWCC is a government screening that checks a person’s criminal history and suitability to work with children. It’s mandatory for most child-related jobs in Australia.
How do I check if someone has a valid WWCC?
How do I check if someone has a valid WWCC?
You can use the official state portal to verify it.
For example, NSW checks can be done at [kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au](https://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/check).
Is a WWCC the same as a Police Check?
Is a WWCC the same as a Police Check?
No. A Police Check lists past convictions, while a WWCC includes risk assessments and ongoing monitoring. They serve different purposes.
Do all states use the same WWCC system?
Do all states use the same WWCC system?
No. Each state and territory runs its own system, with different rules and databases. There’s currently no national WWCC.
How long is a WWCC valid for?
How long is a WWCC valid for?
Typically 5 years, depending on the state. However, it's a “live” check in most states, so new offences can trigger cancellation at any time.
Can someone work in multiple states with one WWCC?
Can someone work in multiple states with one WWCC?
No. If a nanny works in different states, they may need to apply separately in each one.
Do I need to check a WWCC myself or will an agency do it?
Do I need to check a WWCC myself or will an agency do it?
Professional agencies like ours verify every candidate’s WWCC before placement. If hiring privately, you should check it yourself.
Why is there a push for a national WWCC system?
Why is there a push for a national WWCC system?
To stop people from slipping through the cracks by moving between states. A national system would ensure consistent safety standards.
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