New laws that give the Children’s Guardian greater authority and oversight to help protect children and young people have passed NSW Parliament.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the Children’s Guardian Bill 2019 brings religious bodies, and agencies that engage contractors who work with children, into the Reportable Conduct Scheme, with tough penalties for anyone who fails to comply.
“This legislation will provide the independent regulator with the powers they need to help detect, investigate and deal with those who behave inappropriately around children,” Mr Ward said.
“This legislation seeks to close existing loopholes and future-proof the Children’s Guardian to make sure the framework for protecting our kids is as strong as possible.
“When it comes to child protection, our Government makes no apology for taking a tough and necessary stance to keep children safe.”
The Bill will implement a number of recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The NSW Government has had the most comprehensive response of any state or territory to the Royal Commission, strengthening measures to prevent child abuse, ensuring greater access to treatment and support services and toughening the criminal and civil justice response to child offence matters.
The Office of the Children’s Guardian is an independent Statutory Authority that works to protect children and young people by promoting and regulating quality, child safe organisations and services
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