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Canberra Today 25°/29° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

New law aims to safeguard ACT children

AS a response to issues exposed by the Royal Commission with its “Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse”, the ACT government is introducing a new law this week to safeguard ACT children, says Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Yvette Berry. 

Yvette Berry
From July 1, organisations in Canberra that provide services to children will have to report relevant allegations and convictions involving their staff to the ACT Ombudsman, as well as the results of any investigations.

“This scheme is an important step forward in safeguarding our kids. It doesn’t replace existing child protection measures, but does provide an extra layer of oversight,” Ms Berry says. 

“Kids and their families deserve to feel safe in our community, whether they’re at home, at childcare, at school, or in hospital.

“This safeguard scheme is designed to make sure organisations know they have a responsibility to our kids.  It covers employees and volunteers who provide services to children, through our education system, health system, childcare, as well as all ACT Government Directorates and other organisations.

“All organisations in the ACT that provide services to children are encouraged to find out how the scheme applies to them, and how they will meet their legal obligations from July 1.”

Further information via ombudsman.act.gov.au/reportable-conduct-scheme.

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