Bill to establish Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework passes Tasmanian Parliament
Published: 25-05-2023
The Bill to establish Tasmania's Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework passed Tasmanian Parliament on 25 May.
What does this mean for Tasmania?
The new law will introduce two important elements to the state’s child safeguarding landscape:
The Child and Youth Safe Standards are 10 principles that organisations must put into practice to create a culture with child and youth safety and wellbeing at its centre.
In putting the Child and Youth Safe Standards into practice, organisations must also give effect to a Universal Principle for Aboriginal Cultural Safety.
The Reportable Conduct Scheme is a compulsory scheme that requires leaders of certain organisations to report and investigate concerns about worker conduct to an Independent Regulator.
The Independent Regulator will oversee compliance with the Framework, which is also underpinned by broad information-sharing provisions.
Recruitment for this role is presently underway.
When does the law come into effect?
The Bill will become law on 1 July 2023, upon receiving Royal Assent.
Organisations' new legal obligations under the Bill won't come into effect until 2024.
In the lead up to those 2024 start dates, there are things organisations can do to prepare for implementation.
Seeking help?
We encourage anyone affected by, or with concerns about, child sexual abuse or other types of child abuse to access advice and support.
National:
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For domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling and support, contact 1800RESPECT:
- Phone: 1800 737 732
- Visit: www.1800respect.org.au
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For short-term support if you are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping or staying safe, contact Lifeline:
- Phone: 13 11 14
- Visit www.lifeline.org.au
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For free professional phone and online counselling for anyone affected by suicide living in Australia, contact Suicide Call Back Service:
- Phone: 1300 659 467
- Visit: www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/
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For information and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention for everyone in Australia, contact Beyond Blue:
- Phone: 1300 224 636
- Visit: www.beyondblue.org.au
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For information and support for anyone who is affected by complex trauma, contact Blue Knot Foundation:
- Phone: 1300 657 380
- Visit: www.blueknot.org.au
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For counselling and support for Australian men, contact MensLine Australia:
- Phone: 1300 789 978
- Visit: www.mensline.org.au
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For advice for men about family violence, contact Men's Referral Service:
- Phone: 1300 766 491
- Visit: www.ntv.org.au/get-help
Tasmania:
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For information about child wellbeing and safety, contact Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line:
- Phone: 1800 000 123
- Visit: www.strongfamiliessafekids.tas.gov.au
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For free and confidential support for people who have been affected by sexual violence, contact the Sexual Assault Support Service:
- Phone: 1800 697 877
- Visit: www.sass.org.au
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For sexual assault support in Northern Tasmania and North West Tasmania, contact Laurel House:
- Phone for Northern Tasmania: (03) 6334 2740
- Phone for North West Tasmania: (03) 6431 9711
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For information and support for children, young people and adults affected by family violence, contact Family Violence Counselling and Support Service:
- Phone: 1800 608 122
- Visit: www.health.tas.gov.au/health-topics/family-violence/family-violence-counselling-and-support-service-fvcss
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For free and confidential support for people impacted by crime, contact Victims of Crime Service:
- Phone: 1300 300 238
- Visit: www.justice.tas.gov.au/victims/services/victims-of-crime-service
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For support for relationships and to live positive lives, contact Relationships Australia Tasmania:
- Phone: 1300 364 277
- Visit: www.tas.relationships.org.au