No images? Click here
In Focus
Regulatory Spotlight
National Child Safe Principles
Are you aware of your obligations to comply with the National Child Safe Principles?
Changes to the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2012, implemented in Western Australia on 1 December 2023 require approved providers and services to review and update existing policies to comply with new requirements under regulations 84, 149 and 168.
Further guidance can be accessed in the Information Sheet – Embedding the National Child Safe Principles.
Although there are no legislative changes, to align with the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse it is recommended that records related to child sexual abuse (that has or is alleged to have occurred) are:
- kept for 45 years
- clear objective and thorough
- maintained in an indexed and secure manner
- retained and disposed of in a consistent manner.
Further guidance can be accessed in the Information Sheet - Updating record keeping requirements to support child protection.
Child Safe Project - Workshops
The Department of Communities has engaged the WA Council of Social Service (WACOSS) through a grant agreement to deliver the Child Safe Project. The project aims to support small, medium and regional service organisations to implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
The Child Safe Project will provide training and capacity-building opportunities for small to medium organisations and regional organisations throughout WA, including their staff and volunteers, to equip them with the knowledge and skills to create safe environments for children and young people.
Belmont Child Safe Organisation Workshop
- 12 March 2024, 9.45am to 4.00pm
- events.humanitix.com/belmont-capacity-building-for-child-safe-organisations
Tuart Hill Child Safe Organisation Workshop
- 25 March 2024, 9.30am to 4.00pm
- events.humanitix.com/tuarthill-child-safe-organisation-workshop
Mandurah Child Safe Organisation Workshop
- 17 April 2024, 9.30am to 4.00pm
- events.humanitix.com/mandurah-capacity-building-for-child-safe-organisations
Access the National Office for Child Safety e-training modules on the WA Child Safe Organisations Knowledge Hub at Child safe organisations.
Workforce Updates
Department of Home Affairs - WA Business, Industry and Regional Outreach update (WA BIRO)
Recently there have been changes to the Australian government's migration strategies. Below is a summary of those changes, some of which may benefit approved providers when considering sourcing educators from overseas.
Temporary Residence Transition
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 or Subclass 457 visa holders now have the opportunity to seek Permanent Residence (PR) through the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
Labour Market Testing
Recent changes were made to simplify Labour Market Testing and it is no longer a requirement to advertise on the Government employment service Workforce Australia. This means employers must now conduct two (2) valid advertisements, instead of three Labour market testing.
Working Holiday Maker
Recent changes to Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Subclass 417 and 462 visa condition 8547 mean Working Holiday Makers can work for the same employer in Australia for more than 6 months (6 month work limitation) without asking permission in certain circumstances, for example:
- in different locations and work in any one location does not exceed 6 months
- in critical sectors, including childcare, anywhere in Australia.
This change should see significant benefits for regional employers across Australia who are seeking to maintain their current Subclass 417 and 462 WHM visa holders for periods longer than 6 months. Full details of the recent WHM program changes can be found on the Department of Home Affairs’ website.
Migration Strategy
The Government’s Migration Strategy and Action Plan was released and the introduction of Ministerial Direction 105 to prioritise processing of employer sponsored skilled visa applications for occupations to be carried out in a designated regional area of Australia. Access information about Skilled visa processing priorities.
Contact WA BIRO
The WA BIRO team can also be contacted for further visa information at BIRO.WA@homeaffairs.gov.au or Business, industry and regional outreach
Grants
Training and employment outcomes for Aboriginal people
The Department of Training and Workforce Development’s Aboriginal Employment Enabling Program grant applications are currently open and will close at 5 pm on 22 March 2024.
Information on the Program is available in the following locations:
- A news story is published on the Department’s Jobs and Skills WA website.
- Minister’s Media Statement was issued with links to tenders' information Grants to support training and employment outcomes for Aboriginal people.
- Grant related information, including business rules and conditions of funding, can be downloaded from the TendersWA page.
Industrial Action – 8 March 2024
Services are required to notify ECRU of any changes to their operational hours as a result of participation in the nationally coordinated sector shutdown.
Upcoming Events
3 March World Hearing Day
2 March Dr Suess Day
3 March Clean Up Australia Day
8 March International Women's Day
10 March Ramadan begins
17 March St Patrick's Day
18 March Global Recycling Day
21 March National Close the Gap Day - Unequal Health Outcomes
25 March Holi
18-24 March Harmony Week
