- Mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in Western Australia has been expanded to include school counsellors and psychologists
- The changes see reporting of child sexual abuse become a legal requirement for these two reporter groups
- Changes implement recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
School counsellors and psychologists are now legally required to report information about child sexual abuse to the Department of Communities.
The changes are part of new laws introduced by the State Government that come into effect today.
These groups are two of the eight new mandatory reporter groups being implemented through a staggered approach following the passing of the Children and Community Services Amendment Act 2021, which implements key recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (the Royal Commission).
Over the next 12 months, mandatory reporter groups in Western Australia will be further expanded to include early childhood workers from November 2024 and youth justice workers from May 2025.
Staggered implementation of the new mandatory reporter groups commenced in 2022 to enable each new reporter group to receive the necessary training and support to understand their new legal obligations.
Failure to make a mandatory report is an offence with a maximum penalty of $6,000.
The Western Australian Government has invested $1.7 million to support expansion of mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in Western Australia and a further $2 million to support compliance with mandatory reporting, with new enforcement powers in the Children and Community Services Act 2004.
For more information, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/service/community-services/community-support/mandatory-reporting-of-child-sexual-abuse-wa
As stated by Child Protection Minister Sabine Winton:
“The safety of children is the Cook Government’s highest priority.
“Our Government is committed to implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission by promoting and protecting the rights and interests of all Western Australian children and young people.
“The expansion of mandatory reporting means that more individuals who work with children will be obligated to report child sexual abuse.
“The safety of children must always come first and providing a legal requirement to report child sexual abuse removes any doubt regarding that obligation. The safety of children and young people is a shared responsibility.”
Comments attributed to Education Minister Toni Buti:
“Ensuring the safety and well-being of children and young people is paramount.
“As trusted figures within school communities, counsellors play a vital role in supporting students and young people.
“The mandate for school counsellors to report child sexual abuse reflects a collective commitment to prioritise the well-being of children above all else. It underscores the importance of proactive measures to protect vulnerable children and young people.”
