More than 14,000 Tasmanians working in a number of child-related roles have been registered for the new Working with Children requirements since applications opened on 1 July last year.
The new requirements aim to reduce the incidence of sexual, physical, psychological, emotional or financial harm or neglect of children in Tasmania.
From yesterday, it is mandatory for people who work or volunteer with children in a number of roles to be registered, including child care workers, religious leaders, coaches, tutors, party service providers and various roles within clubs and associations.
The registration scheme is being progressively rolled out to all child related activities and will be fully implemented by January 2017.
The Hodgman Liberal Government has provided a significant subsidy for volunteers to reduce the cost of the working with children requirements.
The application fee for volunteers is $17.76 and for employees working with children $103.60.
This volunteer subsidy has facilitated the rollout of this important child safety tool while allowing thousands of volunteers around the State who work with children to continue doing their terrific work. Without the Government subsidy, the cost to volunteers would be $75.
So far, applicants have been overwhelmingly positive about the ease of applying for registration, and are enthusiastic about the implementation of screening for people to work with children.
Applications are commenced at www.justice.tas.gov.au and are completed by visiting Service Tasmania to pay the registration fee, provide proof of identity and have a photo taken for the registration card.
The next stage of the phased-in commencement occurs on 1 October 2015, when a number of new roles will require registration, including Child Protection and Youth Justice Workers, people working with children with a disability, and staff (other than teachers) working or volunteering at non-government schools. Teacher registration is included in a later stage of the process that commences on 1 January 2017.
Details of the full list of groups requiring registration is available on the Department of Justice website www.justice.tas.gov.au.