We’ll strengthen checks to keep children safe

A MATTHEW Guy Government will strengthen the law to stop dangerous sex offenders from obtaining Working with Children Checks (WWCCs).

Currently, a loophole exists that has allowed violent sex offenders to obtain a WWCC.

The Liberal Nationals believe this poses an unacceptable risk to the safety of our children and must be fixed.

The Department of Justice and Regulation must reject WWCC applications from registered sex offenders and other convicted sex offenders, particularly under section 12 of the Working with Children Act 2005. However, an exception currently allows these negative assessments to be appealed to VCAT, where sex offenders may ultimately obtain a WWCC.

We will strengthen the laws by narrowing the scope for VCAT to allow registered and convicted sex offenders to obtain WWCCs.

This reform will ensure that sex offenders who pose a risk to the community and safety of children cannot obtain WWCCs.

Comments attributable to Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy:

“Our children’s safety comes first.

“Victorian families deserve to feel safe in the knowledge that Working with Children Check holders do not pose any threat or risk of harm to their kids.

“A government I lead will make Victoria safe again.”

Comments attributable to Shadow Attorney-General, John Pesutto:

“Daniel Andrews should stop focussing on the rights of sex offenders and start worrying about the safety of our children.

“The Andrews Labor Government has lost control of law and order and only a Liberal Nationals Government will fix it.”

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