The Department of Justice will only use the information obtained through Working with Children (WWC) Checks as permitted by law.

Under the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005, your personal information (including information obtained from police and the Victorian Institute of Teaching) may be disclosed to the Child Safety Commissioner, who is responsible for monitoring and reporting on the administration of the Working with Children Act 2005.

Under the Working with Children Act 2005, it is an offence to disclose any information acquired during a WWC Check. The Act does, however, allow disclosure in certain circumstances, including:

• in good faith for carrying out the purposes of the Act
• in good faith to assist in making employment related decisions in relation to child-related work
• in good faith for the purposes of a reference check on the applicant for child-related work, for example, to confirm the status of your WWC Check
• as required or authorised by or under any Act
• to courts or tribunals during legal proceedings or where the Department of Justice needs to obtain legal advice or representation
• where a court or tribunal makes an order for the disclosure of information
• with your written consent.

You may apply under Freedom of Information legislation for access to any information about you collected by the department.

Contact the Freedom of Information Unit for more information.