Motorsport Australia is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all people, including children and young people involved in our sport and across all of our events.
As part of this commitment, we have implemented mandatory Working With Children Checks (WWCC) or Working With Vulnerable People Checks (WWVP) for all officials as well as accredited media across all states and territories, except Western Australia (WA) where the current legislation prohibits Motorsport Australia from requesting one.
This page provides information about what this mean for you. The page answers common questions in relation to the checks and provides an overview of state and territory requirements and process in applying for a WWCC/WWVP, including contact information for each state/territory screening service.
What are Working With Children Checks?
Working With Children Checks (WWCC) or Working With Vulnerable People Checks (WWVP) are screening processes designed to assess the suitability of individuals working with children or other vulnerable groups. These checks aim to help protect children by preventing those who may pose a risk from working or volunteering in child-related activities.
- In New South Wales (NSW), Northern Territory (NT), Queensland (QLD), South Australia (SA), Victoria (VIC), the check is called a Working With Children Check (WWCC).
- In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Tasmania (TAS), it is called a Working With Vulnerable People Check (WWVP). WWVPs are broader than WWCCs, as they also include screening for those working with vulnerable people across all age groups.
- Western Australia (WA) is currently the only state/territory where WWCC is not mandatory for Motorsport Australia officials or media.
Why are WWCCs being implemented?
Motorsport Australia is a signatory to the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy which forms part of the National Integrity Framework (NIF) of Sport Integrity Australia and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).
Implementing mandatory WWCC/WWVP aligns with Motorsport Australia’s commitment to child safety, providing a safer environment for everyone involved in motorsport.
Children under 18 are present at every motorsport event, including as competitors, officials, crew members or spectators and these standards represent best practice in protecting everyone at a Motorsport Australia sanctioned event. This brings the standard in line with other national sports like the AFL and Tennis, reflecting good and ethical governance principles.
Who needs a WWCC?
Motorsport Australia Officials and Accredited Media that reside in Victoria, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory are required to obtain a valid WWCC or WWVP.
What do I need to do?
As part of the application and licence renewal process for individuals, Motorsport Australia will implement mandatory WWCC and WWVP checks as an Officials Licence and Media Accreditation requirement in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania and Queensland, in line with the existing process in Victoria.
There is no extra administration for clubs and event organisers in these States and Territories, noting that event organisers have their own obligations to ensure any officials working directly with children are eligible to do so.
What if I live in Western Australia?
The WA Government’s Screening Unit has advised that Motorsport Australia cannot directly mandate WWCC or WWVP for WA officials. WA officials who officiate multiple events out of state should contact Motorsport Australia’s Integrity Team at integrity@motorsport.org.au to discuss their specific circumstances and whether another state-based approval is required.
When do I need to do it?
To comply with our standards, current Official licence holders and Accredited Media must provide evidence via email of a valid WWCC or WWVP to Motorsport Australia Member Services at memberservices@motorsport.org.au by 31 May 2025.
What does it cost?
WWCC are valid for between two to five years, depending on the State or Territory, with an application fee in Northern Territory and Tasmania only $8 and $22.44 respectively.
How do I do it?
Please click on the button for your respective state or territory and follow the instructions:
What does the WWCC/WWVP involve?
WWCCs/WWVPs generally involve a criminal history check and a review of any reports on an individual’s professional conduct, as well as other relevant information to an individual’s suitability.
How is a WWCC/WWVP different from a National Police Check?
A WWCC/WWVP is more extensive and targeted than a Police Check. While a Police Check provides criminal history information up to the date of issue, a WWCC/WWVP assesses an individual’s ongoing risk to children and vulnerable groups.
WWCCs/WWVPs also consider a broader range of information, including relevant employment proceedings and disciplinary information.
Is my WWCC transferable between states/territories?
No. WWCCs/WWVPs are not transferable between states and territories. If you work or volunteer across different jurisdictions, you must obtain the appropriate clearance check for each separate state/territory.
However, there are exemptions for visitors who work interstate for a short period, provided they hold a valid check in their state/territory of residence.
Each state/territory has different rules around interstate volunteering:
ACT
- Not working or volunteering for 3 days or less in a 4-week period or 7 days or less within a 12-month period.
- Or hold a valid WWCC or equivalent in another state or territory and are not working or volunteering more than 28 days in any 12-month period
NSW & VIC
- 30-day limit if they hold a WWCC/WWVP in their relevant state/territory within a calendar year.
- Note that VIC has an additional exemption allowing for 1 event if no WWCC/WWVP is held.
NT
- 30-day limit within a calendar year.
QLD
- No more than 7 days within a calendar year, with QLD not recognising WWCC/WWVP from other states/territories.
SA
- Does not exceed 10-days if they hold a WWCC/WWVP in their relevant state/territory.
- Less than 7 days if they don’t hold a WWCC/WWVP in any state.
TAS
- 7–day limit per calendar year.
WA
- Able to volunteer a total of 2 weeks when arriving in WA. Cannot exceed 2 weeks in any period of 12 months.
- Non-residents of Western Australia who are participating in a one-off national event that is organised at state, territory or national level by a recognised body and where children from more than one state, territory or country are participating (e.g. National Scout Jamboree) for a one-off non-cumulative period of 30 days within a 12-month period. This exemption cannot be used in conjunction with the short-term visitor exemption.
How long is a WWCC/WWVP valid?
The validity period varies, depending on the state or territory.
- 5 Years: VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS, SA
- 3 Years: QLD
- 2 Years: NT
How much does a volunteer WWCC/WWVP cost?
The cost of a volunteer WWCC/WWVPC also varies.
- NSW, VIC, QLD, ACT, SA: No cost for volunteers and $ 105.00 (NSW), $131.60 (VIC), $101.30 (QLD), $146.00 (ACT), $117.00 (SA) for paid employment
- NT: $8.00 (volunteer concession fee) and $84.00 for paid employment
- TAS: $22.44 and $130.90 for paid employment
What are the exemptions for a WWCC/WWVP?
There are some exemptions to the WWCC/WWVP requirement, which vary by state and territory. Here are some common exemptions:
- Parents volunteering at their children’s extra-curricular activities (Note that exceptions apply across each state – see your state’s/territory’s screening unit website for more information)
- Police officers and Federal Police officers in VIC, TAS, ACT, NT
- Registered teachers in VIC
- School students doing work experience in ACT, TAS
Where can I find more information?
Please refer to the specific state/territory government websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information on WWCC/WWVP requirements and application processes.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Access Canberra
New South Wales (NSW): Office of the Children’s Guardian
Northern Territory (NT): Safe NT
Queensland (QLD): Queensland Government
South Australia (SA): South Australian Government
Tasmania (TAS): Consumer, Building and Occupational Services Tasmania
Victoria (VIC): Services Victoria
Western Australia (WA): Western Australian Government
Motorsport Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present.