Working with Vulnerable People External Implementation Advisory Group

• Purpose of the Working with Vulnerable People External Implementation Advisory Group
• Terms of Reference
• The Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Bill 2010 passes the Assembly

Purpose of the Working with Vulnerable People External Implementation Advisory Group (EIAG)

The purpose of the Working with Vulnerable People EIAG is to provide advice and guidance to the Commissioner for Fair Trading, through the Working with Vulnerable People Internal Implementation Working Group.

The group will:

• provide advice on the progress of the implementation of the scheme, including the development of guidance material about how the scheme will work;
• represent the expectations of peak bodies, stakeholders and the broader community throughout the implementation of the scheme; and
• promote the scheme to the broader community and provide support to organisations and individuals to become compliant prior to the commencement of the Working with Vulnerable People scheme.

Terms of Reference

The roles and expectations of the Working with Vulnerable People EIAG are outlined in the Terms of Reference.

The Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Bill 2010 passes the Assembly

On Tuesday, 25 October 2011 the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Bill 2010 was passed in the A.C.T. legislative Assembly. The Act introduces a requirement for people who have contact with vulnerable people in the course of engaging in certain regulated activities or services to be registered with a Statutory Screening Unit (Background Screening Unit) to be established in the Office of Regulatory Services, Justice and Community Safety Directorate.

The Act will commence no later than 12 months after being notified on the Legislation Register.

Throughout the development of the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Bill 2010 and the Bill’s supporting legislation, the A.C.T. Government has continued to consult with stakeholders. Comments received have been invaluable in assisting to shaping the Act. The Consultation Report is available on the Community Services Directorate’s website for your information.

An Information Book is also available. This book provides answers to all the questions raised by stakeholders to date.

The Office of Regulatory Services has established transitional provisions about the introduction of the scheme. It is expected that in the first year of operation all employees and volunteers who provide regulated services to children will be checked in the first year of operation. All employees and volunteers providing regulated services to children and adults will be subject to checking from years two to six of the schemes operation.

A comprehensive review of the Act will occur in year four of the implementation phase. No new background checks will occur during this year.
 
Further information will be available on the ORS website in the near future.

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