Greater protection for vulnerable people in the ACT

ACT Minister for Community Services, Katy Gallagher MLA, today released a community discussion paper on a proposed system of background checking of people working with vulnerable people.

The paper, A Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) Checking System for the ACT, is the first step towards the ACT Government's commitment to establish a centralised background checking and risk assessment system for employees or volunteers who provide services for vulnerable people.

"The Canberra Plan 2008 - Towards Our Second Century outlined its commitment to supporting and protecting vulnerable people," Ms Gallagher said.

"Currently in the ACT, there is no consistent process around background checks. The aim of a centralised system is to reduce the risk of sexual, physical, emotional or financial harm or neglect of vulnerable people."

Mandatory background checking systems for people working with children have been established, or are under development in all Australian jurisdictions.

"Under the proposed system, the ACT will be the first jurisdiction to cover those people working with children, and those people working with vulnerable adults.

"Once the system is established, registered employees and volunteers working with vulnerable people will be able to move between ACT organisations without being rechecked.

"The ACT Government will meet the cost of mandatory background checking, allowing organisations to direct more of their resources towards their clients.

"I encourage interested stakeholders to consider the issues and options raised in the paper.

"This is an opportunity for people to have their say about the type of checking system in the ACT which will best meet the needs of vulnerable people and the people providing services," Ms Gallagher said.

The closing date for submissions is 12 October 2009.

Copies of the discussion paper, factsheets and an online forum can be accessed at: www.dhcs.act.gov.au/publications/wwvpc

For more information contact Mathew Munro, policy manager, ACTHCS on (02) 6205 8329 or workingwithvulnerablepeople@act.gov.au