The Department of Communities has opened a public consultation period for significant proposed reforms to Western Australia’s Working with Children (WWC) Scheme, a compliance issue of critical importance to the agritourism sector. With many operators and their staff engaging directly with visiting families and children, any changes to the WWC Act will have a direct impact on business operations, hiring practices, and legal obligations. The deadline for submissions is 23 September.
Key Focus of Proposed Reforms
The proposed changes represent the second phase of the government’s response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. According to the government’s statement, the reforms are focused on two key areas that will affect agritourism businesses:
- Changes to the categories of child-related work: The review will examine the specific definitions of what constitutes “child-related work” under the Act. This could potentially broaden or clarify the scope of roles that require a mandatory WWC Check, affecting positions from tour guides and workshop facilitators to farm-stay hosts.
- Access to exemptions: The government is also reviewing the exemptions currently available under the Act. Any tightening of these exemptions could mean that individuals or roles previously not requiring a check will now fall under the scheme’s purview.
Additionally, the reforms aim to improve the national recognition and portability of WWC Checks across different states and territories, which could streamline the hiring process for operators recruiting staff from interstate.
Implications for the Agritourism Sector
For any farm-based tourism business that offers educational tours, U-pick experiences, farm stays, or any activity where interaction with children is likely, the WWC Scheme is a non-negotiable part of their risk management and compliance framework. The proposed reforms present both a potential challenge and an opportunity. While they may increase the number of staff requiring checks, they also aim to create a more robust and nationally consistent system, which can enhance public confidence in the sector.
Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski stated the objective is to make the system more stringent.
“Strengthening the Working with Children Act and making it tougher for people who pose an unacceptable risk to children from getting a Working with Children Card will further support children to safely enjoy everyday activities like sport and schooling,” she said.
Call to Action for WAAA Members
The consultation period provides a crucial window for agritourism operators to ensure their unique operational context is understood by policymakers. The nuances of work on a farm, where family members and multi-skilled staff often perform a variety of roles, need to be considered in any legislative changes. Minister Stojkovski has directly called for this input:
“I encourage everyone who works with children in WA, or who is a parent, relative, or guardian of a child in WA, to make a submission on any issues of interest to them. We all have a part to play in keeping children safe.”
WAAA members are strongly encouraged to review the consultation materials and make a submission before the 23 September deadline. This is a vital opportunity to shape a regulatory framework that is both effective in protecting children and practical for the businesses that are essential to regional economies. Further information can be found on the Department of Communities website.
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