AUSTRALIA
lewisblayse.net
Lewis Blayse
The Australian Royal Commission into child sexual abuse has released its first discussion paper. CEO Janette Dines says it seeks input into the issue of background checks for people working with, or volunteering for, children’s services. Submissions close on August 12th 2013. Submissions, both from inside and outside Australia, can be e-mailed to solicitor@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au
Alternatively, submissions can be mailed to the Royal Commission at GPO Box 5283, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia. The telephone numbers are: Callers within Australia – 1800 099 340 (free call) and Callers from Outside Australia – 61 2 8815 2319. The Royal Commission phone service operates Monday to Friday (excluding national public holidays) between the hours of 8am and 8pm across all Australian time zones (UTC + 10 hours).
There is one aspect of the discussion paper which needs more attention. It appears to be concerned only with matters within Australia. Given the problem which may exist with Australians’ and Australian-based organisations’ involvement with children in other countries, perhaps there is a need to have processes for sharing details with overseas law enforcement bodies? Further, a clearance from Australian authorities should be required before Australians can volunteer to work with children in other countries.
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