Review of the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012

NSW's Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 is currently being reviewed, with community consultations occurring from 26 November 2025 to 27 February 2026. The Review may lead to changes in how key terms are defined, who may require a WWCC and/or how decisions are made.

The NSW Children's Guardian has been hosting public consultations from 12 February to 6 March 2026 in Sydney, Parramatta, Wollongong, Newcastle, Tamworth, Dubbo, Lismore, Albury as well as online.

The discussion papers have been published as the brief version as well as the official version.

Of potential interest to NSW's early childhood education and care sector may include:

• are there any power imbalances;

• are the existing training adequate;

• is sector support from the NSW Children's Guardian adequate;;

• do we need WWCCs for parents, authorised individuals and any other third parties;

• are the existing whistleblower protections enough;

• is the exemptions list appropriate;

• is there timely parental advice directly from the NSW Office of Children's Guardian;'

• is there potential disconnection between the NSW Office of Children's Guardian and rating for Quality Area 2 - Children's Health and Safety and Quality Area 7 - Governance and Leadership; and

• is there a need for additional and independent powers for the NSW Office of Children's Guardian for investigations.

You can direct your feedback/input/concerns to the Review.

Alternatively, you can share them with ACA NSW via 1300 556 330 or nsw@childcarealliance.org.au.

PUBLISHED: 13 FEBRUARY 2026