Starting a career in early childhood? Exciting! To get you on the right track, let's break down the essential info about the various rules and regulations for each state and territory in Australia.

Where can I get a Working With Children Check?

Each state and territory have their own screening unit who are in charge of doing the Working With Children Checks and issuing the cards, registrations or permits.

These include:

  • Australian Capital Territory: Access Canberra – Working with Vulnerable People
  • New South Wales: Office of the Children’s Guardian
  • Northern Territory: Northern Territory Government
  • Queensland: Queensland Government Department of Justice and Attorney-General – Blue Card Services
  • South Australia: Department for Communities and Social Inclusion
  • Tasmania: Department of Justice
  • Victoria: Justice and Community Safety
  • Western Australia: Department of Communities

State regulations

Every state has its own sets of rules, however, everyone needs to hold or be working towards their Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. If your qualification was gained outside of Australia, you’ll need to have it approved by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

To join the Expect A Star team, ensure you have the necessary documents based on your state. You might be wondering, who is the regulatory authority in childcare? We’ve simplified a checklist for you below:

  • Australian Capital Territory

    Working with vulnerable people check

  • New South Wales

    The minimum requirement to work throughout Australia is to hold or be actively studying towards a Certificate III, Diploma or Bachelor in Early Childhood Education.

  • Northern Territory

    The minimum requirement to work throughout Australia is to hold or be actively studying towards a Certificate III, Diploma or Bachelor in Early Childhood Education.

  • Queensland

    The minimum requirement to work throughout Australia is to hold or be actively studying towards a Certificate III, Diploma or Bachelor in Early Childhood Education.

  • South Australia

    The minimum requirement to work throughout Australia is to hold or be actively studying towards a Certificate III, Diploma or Bachelor in Early Childhood Education.

  • Victoria

    The minimum requirement to work throughout Australia is to hold or be actively studying towards a Certificate III, Diploma or Bachelor in Early Childhood Education.

  • Western Australia

    The minimum requirement to work throughout Australia is to hold or be actively studying towards a Certificate III, Diploma or Bachelor in Early Childhood Education.

We've got your back!


For detailed requirements and further information, just get in touch, and we'll guide you through the process.

Get in touch

We've got your back!


For detailed requirements and further information, just get in touch, and we'll guide you through the process.

Get in touch

More resources

Working with Children Checks

Gearing up for a role in the early childhood industry? Some key checks need to happen before you start.


Working with Children Checks

Gearing up for a role in the early childhood industry? Some key checks need to happen before you start.


Working with Children Checks

Gearing up for a role in the early childhood industry? Some key checks need to happen before you start.


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