You do not need a WWC Check if you are exempt under the Working with Children Act 2005.

If an exemption does not apply, once the deadline for a particular occupational field has passed, people who undertake ‘child-related work’ in that occupational field must apply for a WWC Check before beginning or continuing that work.

Once you have applied for a WWC Check you can undertake ‘child-related work’ without a valid WWC Check if:

• your application is still being assessed
• you have been given an Interim Negative Notice and are waiting to hear the final outcome of your application (that is, until you receive a final response in the form of an Assessment Notice or a Negative Notice). However, a person who has previously been given a Negative Notice that has not been successfully appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal cannot commence or continue to undertake child-related work.

You cannot undertake ‘child-related work’ if you:

• are subject to the reporting obligations imposed by the Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004
• are subject to an extended supervision monitoring order under the Serious Sex Offenders Monitoring Act 2005
• previously held a Negative Notice (because you failed the WWC Check) and have re-applied five years after the date of the Negative Notice
• hold a Negative Notice.

No. The Working with Children Act 2005 applies only to those undertaking ‘child-related work’. You do not need a WWC Check if you participate in an activity on the same basis as a child or children.

For example, Dom is 16 years old and joins his local astronomy club. Adult members of the club do not need a WWC Check.

You can use the Check Status Online Enquiry to check the progress of your application. You will need your Application Receipt number to do this.

Employees and volunteers have the same obligations in regard to the WWC Check.

In recognition of the fact that volunteers do not work for profit or gain, there is no fee for a ‘volunteer’ WWC Check application or replacement card.

If you move from a volunteer position to undertaking ‘child-related work’ for profit or gain, you will need to apply for an ‘employee’ WWC Check in order to avoid penalties.

No, application withdrawals must be made in writing to the Department of Justice. Application fees for people undertaking paid 'child-related work' are non-refundable.