New South Wales
On 1 March 2020, the Children's Guardian Act 2019
(NSW) commenced. The Act expands the functions of the
Children's Guardian to include the reportable conduct scheme
(previously the responsibility of the NSW Ombudsman) and extends it
to include the religious and faith-based sector not currently
captured under the existing scheme.
Now, when a school principal becomes aware of a reportable
allegation or a reportable conviction, the principal must notify
the Office of the Children's Guardian within seven business
days and conduct an investigation into the allegations. If the
final entity report is not ready to submit within 30 calendar days,
the principal must provide an interim report with information about
the progress of the investigation and an expected timeframe for
completion. From 1 June 2020, penalties may apply for
non-compliance with these requirements.
