Another recommendation from the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings Report has now been fulfilled.
The Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP) Act 2013 has now been amended so that it is clear that anyone can notify reportable behaviour to the RWVP Registrar.
Before the amendment, only designated organisations (for example, government departments, Tasmania Police and Child Safety Services) were obligated to report if someone’s behaviour posed a risk of harm to vulnerable people, including children, through neglect, abuse or other conduct.
Now, we have made a clear pathway for concerned members of the public to notify the RWVP Registrar directly if they suspect or know someone has engaged in this kind of behaviour.
This can be done through the Report a Concern online portal.
Once a report is received, the RWVP Unit will search its database of people who currently hold a RWVP and those in the process of applying for one. If matched, appropriate action will be taken: for example, gathering further information and conducting a new risk assessment, and potentially suspending or cancelling a person’s RWVP, or rejecting their application for a RWVP.
Please note that:
- For immediate concerns for the safety of a child or young person, call 000 (Triple Zero).
- If you suspect a child or young person has been or is at risk of being abused or neglected, contact the Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line on 1800 000 123.
- For non-emergencies or to report a crime, contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.