Comments on this topic closed on 12 October 2009. 

The ACT Government thanks all contributors on this forum and those who provided a formal submission during the consultation process.

Comments are currently under consideration and a consultation report will be posted online when available. For more information please visit www.dhcs.act.gov.au/publications/wwvpc

The original text posted as part of the consultation process is below for your information.

The ACT Government is seeking comment on a proposal to establish mandatory background checking of people working with vulnerable people in the ACT. Once implemented, certain employees and volunteers who work, or seek to work, with children or vulnerable adults will be required to undergo a criminal record check and other background checks.
Background checking can reduce the risk of harm to vulnerable people by reducing the opportunities for contact between vulnerable people and people who have a history of inappropriate behaviour. Persons deemed to pose an unacceptable risk will not be eligible to work or volunteer with vulnerable people in the ACT.
There is currently no consistent process for background checking in the ACT. Under the proposed system, the ACT Government will set minimum and compulsory checking standards and will apply a consistent risk assessment framework and decision making process. Checks will remain valid for a set period of time allowing registered employees and volunteers to move between different positions or organisations without being rechecked. The ACT Government will also meet the cost of background checking, allowing organisations to direct more of their resources towards their clients.
Some of the key proposals on which comments are sought are listed for discussion below.