Parents are being urged to double-check the credentials of party entertainers before booking them, as part of a new campaign launched by the State Government.
The ‘Have you Checked?’ campaign encourages parents and guardians to confirm that entertainers hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check.
The campaign, launched by Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski and the Department of Communities, intends to make child safety a top priority during party planning.
“It’s very easy to forget a simple thing like checking the party entertainer you’re hiring has a valid Working with Children Card,” Ms Stojkovski said.
“As a parent, I understand the stress and chaos which often comes with organising children’s parties. That’s why we are asking parents and guardians the question, ‘Have you checked’? using our fast and easy online validation.”
Individuals and organisations must follow the Working with Children (Screening) Act 2004, which requires people involved in child-related work to hold a current WWC Check.
Breaking the law can lead to penalties of up to $60,000 or five years in jail.
Parents can validate WWC Check Cards online or attend an online information session on June 11 to learn more. Suspected breaches can be reported to the Department of Communities’ Screening Unit.
More details are available on Department of Communities’ website.
