Background Checks
Home buddies can help you gain that extra peace of mind when employing someone to work in your home and/or look after those you love. If you are considering employing a candidate for sensitive positions including childcare, tutoring or housecleaning, a National Police Check or a Working With Children Check (WWCC) will give you a sense of security.
Home Buddies also recommends employers carry out a screening process that involves verifying a persons’ qualification and license with the relevant authorities.
The Australian Standard recommends pre-employment screening be carried out by small and large employers. It states that pre-employment screening include:
- Verification of identity (birth certificate, driver’s license)
- Police Check
- Reference check with 2 most recent employers
- Consideration of any gaps in employment history
- Verification of formal qualifications
- A more in-depth process for sensitive positions (such as a WWCC)
Home Buddies can conduct the following checks on your behalf:
Police Check $70 + GST
This is a national search conducted by the Australia Federal Police. Most applicants are covered by the Spent Conviction Scheme and convictions older than 10 years do not have to be declared. There are exclusions to the Spent Convictions Scheme for positions of a particularly sensitive nature in some states and territories. More information on the Spent Convictions Scheme is made available if you proceed to order a Police Check.
Working with Children Check (WWCC) $30 + GST
In most states and territories of Australia, it is mandatory to obtain a WWCC for child-related employment. Those states that have legislated a compulsory WWCC vary in their approach. Please see below for more information about a WWCC in your area. Home Buddies is able to organize a WWCC for NSW and ACT applicants.
Special: Police Check & WWCC $85 + GST
WWCC in Your State or Territory
ACT and NSW
Currently there are no provisions for individuals to obtain a WWCC. Home Buddies are able to organize a WWCC on your behalf.
QLD
The Blue card is for individuals seeking child-related employment. The cost for the check is $40 and is valid for two years. For more information about a Blue Card, visit: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/index.html
WA
The Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 was passed by State Parliament on 26 November 2004 and was proclaimed on 1 January 2006. Commencing in 2006, all self-employed people working with children in connection with all categories of child-related work will require a WWCC. The applicant will receive a card with photo ID that will be valid and updatable for three years. The cost of the application is $50 and the forms are available from any WA Australia Post Outlet. For more information, please visit: http://www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au/default.htm.
VIC
The Victorian Government is in the process of phasing in a compulsory WWCC. Whilst still in the planning stages, more information can be found at: http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren.
TAS, SA and NT
These states and territories are currently reviewing drafts and proposals regarding implementation of a similar WWCC in line with other states. There is currently no compulsory WWCC required for persons seeking child–related employment.
Working With Children Check vs Police Checks
There is a difference. If you are employing someone to work with your child/ren you need to know the difference. A WWCC is a more in-depth check for not only criminal convictions, but also any employment proceedings and Apprehended Violence Orders. However, the WWCC only searches and reports child-related offences. Other convictions such as theft, fraud and driving offences will only be revealed through a Police Check.
All employment screening carried out by Home Buddies is conducted with the candidate's permission. We endeavour to complete the background checks for our clients as efficiently and as expediently as possible. The timeframe for completing these checks varies from 1–3 weeks, depending on the type of check requested. Clients will be provided with the original reports.