Are the National Principles mandatory?

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommended that all institutions in Australia that engage in child-related work be required to implement ten child safe standards, which are reflected in the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

At present, the National Principles are not mandatory. However, organisations that implement them will be demonstrating their leadership and commitment to child safety and wellbeing. These organisations will become ‘organisations of choice’, because children and young people, families and communities will feel confident that they provide safe environments where children’s rights, needs and interests are met. 

Organisations that engage with children and young people must continue to meet existing child safe requirements in their state or territory. This includes background check schemes for those seeking to work or volunteer with children. Links to state and territory child safe requirements and resources are available here.