What Is a Reportable Conduct Scheme?
Reportable Conduct Schemes are statutory frameworks established by Australian jurisdictions to improve how organisations identify, investigate, and respond to allegations of misconduct involving children. The schemes operate independently of criminal proceedings and require heads of organisations to notify a regulator, investigate the matter, and report outcomes.
While the schemes vary by jurisdiction, they share a common goal:
To strengthen child safety by ensuring allegations of abuse or misconduct are managed transparently, lawfully, and in the best interests of children.
Which States and Territories Have a Reportable Conduct Scheme?
Six jurisdictions now operate, or are imminently commencing, a statutory Reportable Conduct Scheme. Listed alphabetically below.
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Regulator: Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG)
Legislation: Children’s Guardian Act 2019 (NSW)
Commenced: 1 March 2020
Queensland
Regulator: Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC)
Legislation: Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld), Chapter 3
Commenced: 1 July 2026
Queensland’s Reportable Conduct Scheme is being introduced alongside the state’s Child Safe Standards, which commenced in a phased rollout from 1 October 2025. The scheme implements key recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Tasmania
Regulator: Office of the Independent Regulator (OIR)
Legislation: Child and Youth Safe Organisations Act 2023 (Tas)
Commenced: 1 January 2024
The Tasmanian scheme sits within the broader Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework, which also establishes the Child and Youth Safe Standards and the Office of the Independent Regulator.
Victoria
Regulator: Social Services Regulator (SSR) (from 23 February 2026)
Legislation: Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic), as amended; functions transferred under the Social Services Regulation Amendment (Child Safety, Complaints and Worker Regulation) Act 2025 (Vic)
Commenced: 1 July 2017
Regulatory responsibility for Victoria’s Reportable Conduct Scheme transferred from the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP) to the Social Services Regulator on 23 February 2026. The Working with Children Check moved to the SSR at the same time, consolidating Victoria’s principal child-safety regulatory functions under a single regulator. CCYP retains its advocacy, monitoring, and systemic oversight role.
Western Australia
Regulator: Ombudsman Western Australia
Legislation: Parliamentary Commissioner Amendment (Reportable Conduct) Act 2022 (WA)
Commenced: 1 January 2023
South Australia and the Northern Territory do not currently operate a statutory Reportable Conduct Scheme, though child protection obligations still apply under employment law, child safe standards, and mandatory reporting laws.
At a Glance
| Jurisdiction | Regulator | Commenced |
|---|---|---|
| ACT | ACT Ombudsman | 1 July 2017 |
| NSW | Office of the Children's Guardian | 1 March 2020 |
| Qld | Queensland Family and Child Commission | 1 July 2026 |
| Tas | Office of the Independent Regulator | 1 January 2024 |
| Vic | Social Services Regulator | 1 July 2017 |
| WA | Ombudsman Western Australia | 1 January 2023 |
Common Obligations
Despite jurisdictional variations, the schemes generally require organisations to:
- Notify the relevant regulator of a reportable allegation within a statutory timeframe
- Conduct an independent or internal investigation into the allegation
- Ensure procedural fairness to the respondent and to anyone affected by the allegation
- Implement protective measures to reduce risk to children
- Report investigation findings and reasons to the regulator
How Safeguarding Services Assists
Safeguarding Services is a trusted provider of independent investigations and advisory services under multiple Reportable Conduct Schemes. Our services include:
- Triage and preliminary assessment of reportable allegations
- Independent investigations compliant with legislative requirements
- Liaison with regulators on behalf of your organisation
- Policy advice and training on obligations under relevant schemes
- Support in parallel processes, including internal reviews, police investigations, and Fair Work or Redress matters
We work with schools, disability providers, religious organisations, and statutory bodies to deliver confident, compliant outcomes.
National Expertise, Local Knowledge
With investigators and safeguarding professionals across Australia, we offer:
- Jurisdiction-specific compliance advice
- Trauma-informed investigative practice
- Expertise in child protection, education, and human services sectors