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It also recognised the ‘on the ground’ support that local governments provide for organisations to promote practices to keep children and young people safe.

October 22 to 30 2022 marks National Children’s Week. As Western Australia continues implementation of Royal Commission recommendations, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ (DLGSC) dedicated Child Safeguarding Implementation Unit is available to provide assistance, advice and guidance to local governments.

There are reforms currently in progress, led by various government agencies, that will impact the operation of local governments, these include:

• The implementation of the Child Safe Standards (now the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations).
• Embedding child safety in local governments through supporting local government staff and the promotion of child safe resources. A final version of the Child Safe Awareness Policy has been developed in consultation with local governments and the policy, and associated child safe messages, will be ready to implement early next year
• Implementation of a Reportable Conduct Scheme run by the Ombudsman Western Australia
  

The National Redress Scheme was recommended by the Royal Commission and provides redress for a victim/survivor of institutional abuse. Local governments may be contacted by DLGSC to provide information relating to an application or meet other obligations such as providing a Direct Personal Response to a victim/survivor of abuse.

More information about these initiatives can be found on the DLGSC website. You may contact the Child Safeguarding Unit by email childsafeguarding@dlgsc.wa.gov.au with any questions in relation to child safeguarding initiatives in local government.