Part 1—Preliminary
1 Name
This instrument is the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Practice Standards—Worker Screening) Rules 2018.
3 Authority
This instrument is made under the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013.
4 Application
(1) This instrument applies in a host jurisdiction that is a participating jurisdiction, subject to the transitional arrangements in Part 4 of this instrument.
(2) This instrument applies to a person or entity who is applying to become a registered NDIS provider and all registered NDIS providers.
5 Definitions
Note: A number of expressions used in this instrument are defined in section 9 of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, including the following:
(a) host jurisdiction;
(b) key personnel;
(c) NDIS Practice Standards;
(ca) NDIS worker screening check;
(cb) NDIS worker screening law;
(d) participant;
(e) participating jurisdiction;
(f) registered NDIS provider.
In this instrument:
Act means the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013.
Agreement means the Intergovernmental Agreement on Nationally Consistent Worker Screening for the National Disability Insurance Scheme made by the Commonwealth, the States, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory, commencing from 1 July 2018.
applicant means a person or entity who has made an application for registration under section 73C of the Act.
appropriate contract means:
(a) a legally binding arrangement;
(b) between a registered NDIS provider and a subcontractor;
(c) which meets the requirements set out in subsection 13(4) of this instrument.
certification has the meaning given in section 5 of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018.
clearance means a decision made under the NDIS worker screening law of a jurisdiction:
(a) in response to an application for an NDIS worker screening check;
(b) having the effect that the person who made the application is cleared to work with people with disability in a risk assessed role;
(c) irrespective of whether the making of the decision is described as an assessment, clearance, approval or otherwise;
being a decision which is current and operative.
closed, in relation to an NDIS worker screening check, means closed to further consideration at the instigation of an NDIS worker screening unit, including as a result of the failure of the worker or other personnel to progress the application.
exclusion means a decision under the NDIS worker screening law of a jurisdiction:
(a) in response to an application for an NDIS worker screening check;
(b) having the effect that the person who made the application is excluded from working with people with disability in a risk assessed role;
(c) irrespective of whether the making of the decision is described as a negative assessment, refusal to grant a clearance, refusal to approve or otherwise.
interim bar means an interim decision made under the NDIS worker screening law of a jurisdiction, being a decision made:
(a) after the person has made an application for an NDIS worker screening check to the NDIS worker screening unit in that jurisdiction; and
(b) before a decision has been made to issue an exclusion or a clearance in response to that application;
having the effect that the person is barred from working with people with disability in a risk assessed role while the application is determined.
Note 1: An interim bar is used where records are identified which indicate that an applicant may pose a risk to people with disability. An interim bar is used to prevent that applicant from working with people with disability until a final decision is made. An interim bar stays in place until the NDIS worker screening unit removes it, or the application is finalised – see clause 53 of the Agreement.
Note 2: Under the national policy for NDIS worker screening, it is intended that internal review of interim bar decisions will be available, where the bar is not resolved (either by the bar being lifted, or a final decision being made on the application) within the period specified in the jurisdiction’s NDIS worker screening law – see clause 53 of the Agreement.
more than incidental contact has the meaning given by section 6 of this instrument.
national policy for NDIS worker screening means the policy contained in the Agreement, as amended from time to time.
Note: The Agreement is available on the Commission’s website.
NDIS worker screening unit means the person or body which is responsible for conducting NDIS worker screening checks for a State or Territory under its NDIS worker screening law.
other personnel in relation to a registered NDIS provider means an individual who:
(a) is not employed or otherwise engaged by the registered NDIS provider; and
(b) performs work at the premises of, or otherwise as part of the provision of supports and services to any person with disability by, the registered NDIS provider.
Example: A registered NDIS provider provides specialist accommodation to people with disability. It contracts cleaning of its accommodation premises to Company R. The employees and contractors of Company R who come onto the accommodation premises of the registered NDIS provider to clean are other personnel in relation to the provider, because they perform work integral to the supports or services being provided to people with disability by the provider.
rapport means a relationship or understanding, being more than merely polite and functional.
risk assessed role means:
(a) a key personnel role of a person or an entity;
(b) a role for which the normal duties include the direct delivery of specified supports or specified services to a person with disability; or
(c) a role for which the normal duties are likely to require more than incidental contact with a person with disability.
Note: For what constitutes “more than incidental contact” see section 6.
specified service means a service that is included in the list (as in force or existing from time to time) published by the Commissioner pursuant to section 7.
Note: Pursuant to subsection 209(2) of the Act, this instrument may make provision for or in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or incorporating any matter contained in an instrument or other writing as in force or existing from time to time.
specified support means a support that is included in the list (as in force or existing from time to time) published by the Commissioner pursuant to section 7 of this instrument.
Note: Pursuant to subsection 209(2) of the Act, this instrument may make provision for or in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or incorporating any matter contained in an instrument or other writing as in force or existing from time to time.
subcontractor, in relation to a registered NDIS provider, means a person or entity that makes the services of other personnel available to the provider.
suspension means a decision under the NDIS worker screening law of a jurisdiction to suspend the operation of a clearance.
transitional arrangements in relation to a jurisdiction means the interim risk management measures which apply in that jurisdiction pursuant to Part 4 of this instrument.
Note: Section 121 of the Agreement provides for transition to full implementation to occur on a basis which ensures the safety of people with disability and a smooth transition for workers and providers, and with respect to the operational capacity of NDIS worker screening units.
verification means an assessment by an approved quality auditor of an applicant, or of a registered NDIS provider, against an applicable standard by conducting a desk audit of the applicant or provider, including reviewing the applicant’s or provider’s relevant documentation, in relation to the standard.
withdrawn, in relation to an application for an NDIS worker screening check, means withdrawn by the person who made the application, subject to any restrictions on withdrawal imposed by the relevant jurisdiction.
Note: Section 55 of the Agreement addresses the kinds of restrictions on withdrawal which have been flagged by jurisdictions.
work has the same meaning as in section 85ZZGM of the Crimes Act 1914.
worker, means a person employed or otherwise engaged by a registered NDIS provider.
6 Definitions relating to more than incidental contact
(1) For the purposes of this instrument:
contact includes physical contact, face‑to‑face contact, oral communication, written communication and electronic communication.
(2) Without limiting what may constitute more than incidental contact, the normal duties of a role are likely to require more than incidental contact with a person with a disability if those duties include:
(a) physically touching a person with disability; or
(b) building a rapport with a person with disability as an integral and ordinary part of the performance of those duties; or
Example 1: The role of a worker involves the delivery of mobility equipment to the homes of people with disability. As a standard part of that role, he provides training and instructions to the customer about how to use the equipment safely and makes adjustments to the equipment to make it suitable for the customer. This role is likely to require more than incidental contact. This is because there is ‘contact’ with a person with disability, and the ordinary content of that contact (testing the person’s needs and preferences with them, talking about and responding to the nature of their disability) means that there is a level openness and trust required on the part of the person with disability which would routinely involve the worker building a level of rapport with them.
Example 2: An accountant works for a business that supplies custom prosthetics to people with a disability, and performs only “back office” duties. The accountant has coincidental contact with people with disability many work days, when moving through public areas of the business, at which time the accountant nods and says hello to the customers. The accountant’s role does not involve more than incidental contact with people with disability. This is because the duties of the role do not require the accountant to have more than polite, functional contact with people with disability, or get to know them in any way.
(c) having contact with multiple people with disability:
(i) as part of the direct delivery of a specialist disability support or service; or
(ii) in a specialist disability accommodation setting.
7 Commissioner must publish lists
The Commissioner must publish the list of specified supports and services as soon as practicable after it is made or amended.
Part 2—Practice Standards relating to screening of workers and other personnel
Division 1 ‑ Introduction
8 Purpose of this Part
(1) This Part is made for the purposes of paragraph 73T(1) of the Act.
Note: Paragraph 73T(3)(d) of the Act allows the NDIS Practice Standards to deal with matters relating to worker screening. The NDIS Practice Standards in this instrument are in addition to those contained in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018.
(2) It specifies the standards concerning the screening of workers and other personnel of registered NDIS providers.
Note 1: Applicants must be assessed by an approved quality auditor as meeting the applicable standards and other requirements prescribed by the NDIS Practice Standards in order to be registered as a registered NDIS provider (see paragraph 73E(1)(c) of the Act).
Note 2: Non‑compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards by a registered NDIS provider constitutes a breach of a condition of registration (see paragraph 73F(2)(c) and section 73J of the Act).
Note 3: Part 4 of this instrument contains special rules that apply instead of, or as well as, some of the rules in this Part in certain circumstances.
Division 2 – NDIS Practice Standards – worker screening
9 Worker screening ‑ class of supports, applicable standards and assessment process
(1) To be registered to provide any class of support, an applicant for registration under section 73C of the Act must be assessed by an approved quality auditor as meeting the standards specified in this Part, using the verification method.
(2) To remain registered to provide any class of support, a registered NDIS provider must continue to comply with the standards specified in this Part.
10 Assessment by certification meets requirement to be assessed by verification
For the purposes of this Part, if compliance with an applicable standard must be assessed using verification, the requirement is met if compliance with the standard is assessed using certification.
Division 3 – NDIS Practice Standards ‑ screening of workers and other personnel – procedures and strategies
11 Assessment of risk assessed roles
(1) Registered NDIS providers must assess all roles their workers and other personnel will engage in, and identify each one that is a risk assessed role.
(2) A role is a role with a particular registered NDIS provider, whether the duties of the role are performed by a worker or other personnel.
12 Risk management plan to be maintained and given effect
(1) Registered NDIS providers must develop and maintain a satisfactory written risk management plan for protecting people with disability while a worker or any other personnel is in the process of obtaining a clearance.
(2) Without limiting the obligation in (1), a registered NDIS provider must review the risk management plan if:
(a) the Commissioner requests the registered NDIS provider to do so; or
(b) there is a reportable incident within the meaning of subsections 73Z(4) and (5) of the Act which involves a worker or other personnel of the provider.
(3) A registered NDIS provider must implement the risk management plan, unless otherwise agreed by the Commissioner.
Division 4 ‑ Worker screening – workers and other personnel of a registered NDIS provider
13 Certain roles restricted to workers or other personnel with a clearance
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a State or Territory is a participating jurisdiction; and
(b) a registered NDIS provider provides supports or services to a person with disability in the State or Territory.
(2) Subject to the exceptions contained in this Division, a registered NDIS provider must only allow a worker to engage in a risk assessed role, if the worker has a clearance.
(3) Subject to the exceptions contained in this Division, a registered NDIS provider must only allow a member of other personnel to engage in a risk assessed role, if the registered NDIS provider has:
(a) identified to the relevant subcontractor each risk assessed role that the member of other personnel engages in;
(b) entered into an appropriate contract with the subcontractor; and
(c) taken reasonable steps to satisfy itself that the member of other personnel has a clearance.
(4) For the purposes of (3)(b), an appropriate contract must impose the following obligations on the subcontractor who makes the services of the other personnel available to the registered NDIS provider:
(a) subject to the exceptions in this Division, the subcontractor must only allow a member of other personnel to engage in a risk assessed role with the provider, if he or she has a clearance; and
(b) the subcontractor must only allow a member of other personnel to engage in a risk assessed role with the provider, if the subcontractor may disclose information to the provider about any matter relating to whether the member of other personnel may engage in a risk assessed role, including but not limited to information about:
(i) the making of an application for an NDIS worker screening check;
(ii) an interim bar;
(iii) a suspension;
(iv) an exclusion;
(v) the closure of an application for a worker screening clearance;
(vi) the revocation of a clearance;
Note: The NDIS worker screening law of a jurisdiction may refer to a revocation using a different term. It may be referred to, for example, as an exclusion, because it has the effect of excluding a person from working with people with disability.
(vii) the expiry date of a clearance; and
(c) the subcontractor must cooperate with any reasonable request from the registered NDIS provider for information relating to whether a member of other personnel has a clearance, or is subject to an exception in this Division; and
(d) the subcontractor must cooperate with any reasonable request from the registered NDIS provider for assistance to investigate any complaint made to the NDIS provider about the conduct of, or any reportable incident involving, any member of other personnel engaged in a risk assessed role; and
(e) the subcontractor must cooperate with any reasonable request from the registered NDIS provider for information relating to whether and how it is complying with its obligations under the appropriate contract; and
(f) the subcontractor must impose the obligations in (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) on any other party with whom the subcontractor enters into an arrangement, which involves or allows for the provision of services by the other personnel to the NDIS provider.
14 Exceptions to the restriction of certain roles to cleared workers and other personnel
A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role when the person does not have a clearance at a time when:
(a) the person:
(i) is in the process of obtaining a clearance; and
(ii) is appropriately supervised by a person with a clearance; and
(iii) the provider is implementing the risk management plan in accordance with Division 3 of this instrument; and
(iv) the law of the participating jurisdiction in which the person provides services to a participant allows the person to engage in a risk assessed role, while that person is in the process of obtaining a clearance; or
(b) the registered NDIS provider:
(i) is subject to transitional arrangements; and
Note: For when transitional arrangements apply in a participating jurisdiction, see Part 4.
(ii) the registered NDIS provider is complying with the transitional arrangements; or
(c) the person is:
(i) a secondary school student on a formal work experience placement with the registered NDIS provider; and
(ii) directly supervised by another worker of the provider who has a clearance.
14A Disapplication of exception for ‘no card, no start’ jurisdictions
(1) Paragraph 14(a) does not apply to a person if:
(a) the person has submitted an application for a clearance to an NDIS worker screening unit; and
(b) the law of the jurisdiction in which the application is submitted prohibits a person from engaging in a risk assessed role while the person is in the process of obtaining a clearance; and
(c) the person does not have an acceptable check that applies in that jurisdiction; and
(d) a decision has not been made on the application.
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(c), a person has an acceptable check that applies in a jurisdiction if:
(a) if the person is providing services to a participant in New South Wales—the person has a check described in subsection 23(6), (7) or (8); or
(b) if the person is providing services to a participant in South Australia—the person has a check described in subsection 24(6), (6A) or (6B); or
(c) if the person is providing services to a participant in Victoria—the person is allowed to engage in a risk assessed role because of subsection 25(3); or
(d) if the person is providing services to a participant in Queensland—the person is allowed to engage in a risk assessed role because of subsection 26(3); or
(e) if the person is providing services to a participant in Tasmania—the person is allowed to engage in a risk assessed role because of subsection 27(3); or
(f) if the person is providing services to a participant in the Australian Capital Territory—the person is allowed to engage in a risk assessed role because of subsection 28(3); or
(g) if the person is providing services to a participant in the Northern Territory—the person is allowed to engage in a risk assessed role because of subsection 29(3).
15 When a person is in the process of obtaining a clearance
(1) Subject to (2), a person is in the process of obtaining a clearance during the period starting on the day on which the person submits a complete application for a clearance to the relevant NDIS worker screening unit, and ending on the day on which a clearance or exclusion is made.
(2) A person is not in the process of obtaining a clearance:
(a) if the person has applied for an NDIS worker screening check on at least one prior occasion, and on the most recent prior occasion the person was subject to an exclusion;
(b) if the person has had a clearance on at least one prior occasion, and on the most recent prior occasion the clearance was revoked;
Note: The NDIS worker screening law of a jurisdiction may refer to a revocation using a different term. It may be referred to, for example, as an exclusion, because it has the effect of excluding a person from working with people with disability.
(c) on any day after the application for an NDIS worker screening check is withdrawn by the person;
(d) on any day after the application for an NDIS worker screening check is closed;
(e) on any day when an interim bar is in force in relation to the person;
(f) at any time the person is not being supervised in accordance with the requirements of section 14 of this instrument, as applicable; or
(g) at any time a risk management plan required under this instrument is not being implemented.
(3) For the purpose of this section, a person has submitted a complete application to the relevant NDIS worker screening unit if:
(a) that unit has issued a notice in writing to the person confirming that the application has been made;
Note: Section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 provides that “writing” includes any mode of representing or reproducing words, figures, drawing or symbols in a visible form. As a result, electronic communications – such as an e‑mail or an SMS message – are capable of constituting a notice in writing.
(aa) a registered NDIS provider has confirmed to that unit that the person is, or intends to be, a worker of the provider; and
(b) if the person is a worker ‑ the registered NDIS provider with whom the person engages in a risk assessed role has seen that notice; and
(c) if the person is a worker ‑ the registered NDIS provider has made a record of the worker screening application number on that notice as required by section 18.
(4) For the purposes of paragraph 15(3)(aa), confirmation must be given in accordance with any applicable requirements of the NDIS worker screening law of the jurisdiction in which the application has been submitted.
Part 3—Record keeping requirements for worker screening
16 Purpose of this Part
(1) This Part is made for the purposes of paragraph 73Q of the Act.
Note: Paragraph 73Q of the Act provides for the making of Rules about record keeping by registered NDIS providers.
17 Kinds of records which must be kept—records about risk assessed roles
(1) A registered NDIS provider must have a written list of all roles with the provider which are risk assessed roles.
Note: Each risk assessed role with the registered NDIS provider must be included in the list, irrespective of whether the person who engages in the role is a worker or other personnel.
(2) A registered NDIS provider must update the written list of roles which are risk assessed roles:
(a) if a new risk assessed role is identified or an existing role is reclassified as a risk assessed role following a review;
(b) within 20 business days of the new risk assessed role being identified, or the existing role being reclassified, as the case may be.
(3) A list created or maintained for the purposes of this instrument must include:
(a) the title or other organisational identifier for the role;
(b) which paragraph or paragraphs of the definition of risk assessed role applies to the role;
(c) a description of the role;
(d) the date on which the role was assessed as being a risk assessed role;
(e) the name and title of the person who assessed the role as being a risk assessed role.
18 Kinds of records which must be kept – records about workers
(1) A registered NDIS provider must keep a written list of all workers who engage in risk assessed roles.
(2) A registered NDIS provider must keep the written list of all workers who engage in a risk assessed roles up to date.
Note: Section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 provides that “writing” includes any mode of representing or reproducing words, figures, drawing or symbols in a visible form. This means that the list required by subsection 18(2) may be kept in an electronic form.
(3) A list created or maintained for the purposes of this instrument must include, in respect of each worker:
(a) the full name, date of birth and address of the person;
(b) the risk assessed role or roles in which the person engages;
(c) if the worker may engage in a risk engaged role without an NDIS worker screening check clearance:
(i) the basis in accordance with section 14 on which they may do so;
(ii) the start and end date of the period in which the exemption under section 14 applies; and
(iii) the name of the person who supervises the worker during this period;
(d) the worker’s NDIS worker screening check application number;
(e) the worker’s NDIS worker screening check number;
(f) the worker’s NDIS worker screening check outcome expiry date;
Note: NDIS worker screening check outcomes include clearance and exclusion. Both of these may have an expiry date under the NDIS worker screening law of a jurisdiction.
(g) whether the worker’s clearance is subject to any decision which has the effect that the registered NDIS provider may not allow the worker to engage in a risk assessed role;
Note: Decisions which affect a clearance include a decision to suspend or revoke a clearance.
(h) the nature of any decision within the meaning of (g).
(4) A registered NDIS provider must keep a copy of any record relating to:
(a) an interim bar;
(b) a suspension;
(c) an exclusion; or
(d) action taken by the provider in relation to (a), (b), or (c);
in relation to any worker.
(5) A registered NDIS provider must keep a copy of any record relating to:
(a) allegations of any misconduct against any worker with an NDIS worker screening check clearance; and
(b) action taken, including any investigation, in response to (a).
19 Kinds of records which must be kept – other personnel
(1) A registered NDIS provider must keep a copy of:
(a) any appropriate contract;
(b) any record relating to the administration of the appropriate contract, including the enforcement of any term required by subsection 13(4);
(c) any record of information provided to the NDIS provider about a member of other personnel pursuant to the appropriate contract;
(d) any record relating to its performance of paragraph 13(3)(c);
(e) any record about an allegation of any misconduct against any member of other personnel with an NDIS worker screening check clearance.
20 The form in which records must be kept
A registered NDIS provider must keep the list required by subsection 18(1) in a form which would allow an auditor to determine which workers were engaged in risk assessed roles with the provider on any given day in the seven years prior to the day the auditor examines the list.
21 The period for which records must be kept
A record subject to this Part must be kept for 7 years from the date the record is made.
Part 4—Transitional and special arrangements
22 Purpose of this Part
(1) This Part is made for the purpose of section 73T of the Act.
(2) This Part gives effect to the staged implementation of the national policy for NDIS worker screening, described in Part 12‑Transfer of the Agreement.
23 Application ‑ special arrangements New South Wales
(1) This section applies to a person or entity that has applied to be, or is, registered as a registered NDIS provider to deliver any class of support or service to a participant residing in New South Wales.
(2) A registered NDIS provider is complying with the transitional arrangements when delivering services or supports in New South Wales if that provider complies with this section.
Transitional arrangements
(3) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) the person has an acceptable NSW check; and
(b) it is before the transition time for the person; and
(c) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (11) has not come into effect.
(4) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if the person is:
(a) a secondary school student on a formal work experience placement with the registered NDIS provider; and
(b) directly supervised by a person who meets the requirements of (3)(a) and (b); and
(c) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (11) has not yet come into effect.
Acceptable NSW checks – recognition of NSW checks
(5) For the purposes of this section an acceptable NSW check is a check described at (6), (7) or (8).
(6) A person has an acceptable NSW check if:
(a) the person does not meet the requirements of paragraph (8)(a);
(b) prior to 1 July 2018, and within the last 4 years the person was subject to a criminal record check;
Note: A criminal record check is the same kind of check as that required under section 32 of the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW).
(c) that criminal record check showed that the person had no conviction for a prescribed criminal offence, within the meaning of the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW); and
Note: For the meaning of prescribed criminal offence see Schedule 2 to the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW).
(d) the person has not subsequently had a further criminal record check which did not meet subsection (c).
(7) A person has an acceptable NSW check if:
(a) the person does not meet the requirements of paragraph (8)(a);
(b) during the transition period, and within the last 2 years, the person was subject to a criminal record check;
Note: A criminal record check is the same kind of check as that required under section 32 of the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW)
(c) that criminal record check showed that the person had no conviction for a prescribed criminal offence, within the meaning of the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW); and
Note: For the meaning of prescribed criminal offence see Schedule 2 to the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW).
(d) the person has not subsequently had a further criminal record check which did not meet subsection (c).
(8) A person has an acceptable NSW check if:
(a) the risk assessed role involves a person engaging in child related work within the meaning of the Child Protection (Working With Children) Act 2012 (NSW); and
(b) before or during the transition period that person was issued a working with children check clearance or a clearance within the meaning of the Child Protection (Working With Children) Act 2012 (NSW); and
(c) that working with children check clearance or clearance is current and operative.
(9) The transition time for a person is the later of:
(a) 1 February 2021; or
(b) the expiry of an acceptable NSW check which applied to that person on 1 February 2021.
(10) An acceptable NSW check expires at the end of the last day that it meets the requirements of paragraph (6)(b), (7)(b) or (8)(c), as applicable.
Notice
(11) The Commissioner may give a written notice to a registered NDIS provider that subsection 14(b) of this instrument no longer applies to the provider from the day specified in the notice (which must be at least 14 days after the notice is given).
Meaning of transition period
(12) In this section:
transition period means the period:
(a) starting on 1 July 2018; and
(b) ending on the earlier of:
(i) 31 January 2021; and
(ii) the day notice is given under section 30 that the NDIS worker screening unit is operational in New South Wales.
24 Application ‑ special arrangements South Australia
(1) This section applies to a person or entity that has applied to be, or is, registered as a registered NDIS provider to deliver any class of support or service to a participant residing in South Australia.
(2) A registered NDIS provider is complying with the transitional arrangements when delivering services or supports in South Australia if that provider complies with this section.
Transitional arrangements
(3) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) the person has an acceptable SA check; and
(b) it is before the transition time for the person; and
(c) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (9) has not come into effect.
(4) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if the person is:
(a) a secondary school student on a formal work experience placement with the registered NDIS provider; and
(b) directly supervised by a person who meets the requirements of (3)(a) and (b); and
(c) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (9) has not yet come into effect.
Acceptable SA checks—recognition of South Australian checks
(6) A person has an acceptable SA check if:
(a) the risk assessed role does not involve the person engaging in child‑related work; and
(b) before or during the transition period, or within 2 months after the end of the transition period:
(i) the person has been subject to an assessment (within the meaning of section 5B of the Disability Services Act 1993 (SA) as in force from time to time); and
(ii) an authorised screening unit has made a finding, in relation to that assessment, to the effect that the person is cleared for disability services employment; and
(c) an authorised screening unit has not subsequently made a contrary finding in relation another assessment the person has been subject to under that Act; and
(d) it is not more than 3 years since the finding referred to in subparagraph (b)(ii).
(6A) A person has an acceptable SA check if:
(a) before or during the transition period:
(i) the person has been subject to an assessment (within the meaning of section 8B of the Children’s Protection Act 1993 (SA) as in force immediately before it was repealed or section 8 of the Children’s Protection Law Reform (Transitional Arrangements and Related Amendments) Act 2017 (SA) as in force from time to time); and
(ii) an authorised screening unit has made a finding, in relation to that assessment, to the effect that the person is cleared for child‑related employment; and
(b) an authorised screening unit has not:
(i) made a finding under an Act mentioned in subparagraph (b)(i) to the effect that the person is not cleared for child‑related employment; or
(ii) made a finding under the Disability Services Act 1993 (SA), as in force from time to time, to the effect that the person is not cleared for disability services employment; and
(c) the person is not a prohibited person; and
(d) it is not more than 3 years since the finding referred to in subparagraph (a)(ii).
(6B) A person has an acceptable SA check if:
(a) during the transition period:
(i) the person has been subject to a working with children check conducted by the central assessment unit in accordance with the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 (SA) as in force from time to time; and
(ii) the central assessment unit has determined under that Act that the person is not prohibited from working with children; and
(b) an authorised screening unit has not made a finding under the Disability Services Act 1993 (SA), as in force from time to time, to the effect that the person is not cleared for disability services employment; and
(c) the person is not a prohibited person; and
(d) it is not more than 5 years since the determination referred to in subparagraph (a)(ii).
Transition time
(7) The transition time for a person is the later of:
(a) 1 February 2021; or
(b) the expiry of an acceptable SA check which applied to that person on 1 February 2021.
(8) An acceptable SA check expires at the end of the last day that it meets the requirements of paragraph (6)(d), (6A)(d) or (6B)(d), as applicable.
Notice
(9) The Commissioner may give a written notice to a registered NDIS provider that subsection 14(b) of this instrument no longer applies to the provider from the day specified in the notice (which must be at least 14 days after the notice is given).
Definitions
(10) In this section:
acceptable SA check has the meaning given by subsection (6), (6A) or (6B).
child‑related work has the same meaning as in section 6 of the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 (SA) as in force from time to time.
prohibited person has the same meaning as in section 15 of the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 (SA) as in force from time to time.
transition period means the period:
(a) starting on 1 July 2018; and
(b) ending on the earlier of:
(i) 31 January 2021; and
(ii) the day notice is given under section 30 that the NDIS worker screening unit is operational in South Australia.
25 Application—special arrangements for Victoria
(1) This section applies to a person or entity that has applied to be, or is, registered as a registered NDIS provider to deliver any class of support or service to a participant residing in Victoria.
(2) A registered NDIS provider is complying with the transitional arrangements when delivering services or supports in Victoria if that provider complies with this section.
Special arrangements during the transition period
(3) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is during the transition period; and
(b) the provider is compliant with the safety screening requirements in relation to the person in accordance with the safety screening policy issued by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and as in force from time to time; and
(c) the person’s safety screening is current in accordance with the requirements; and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (7) has not come into effect.
(4) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is during the transition period; and
(b) the person is a secondary school student on a formal work experience placement with the provider; and
(c) the person is directly supervised by a person who meets the requirements of paragraphs (3)(b) and (c); and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (7) has not yet come into effect.
Special arrangements after the end of the transition period
(5) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is after the end of the transition period; and
(b) before the end of the transition period, the provider was compliant with the safety screening requirements in relation to the person in accordance with the safety screening policy issued by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and as in force from time to time; and
(c) the person’s safety screening is current in accordance with the requirements; and
(d) any of the following apply:
(i) the person has a current working with children check (within the meaning of the Working with Children Act 2005 (Vic.)) that was issued to the person before the end of the transition period;
(ii) less than 6 months have elapsed since the end of the transition period;
(iii) 6 months or more have elapsed since the end of the transition period and the person is in the process of obtaining a clearance (within the meaning of section 15 of this instrument); and
(e) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (7) has not come into effect.
(6) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is after the end of the transition period; and
(b) the person is a secondary school student on a formal work experience placement with the provider; and
(c) the person is directly supervised by a person who meets the requirements of paragraphs (5)(b), (c) and (d); and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (7) has not yet come into effect.
Notice
(7) The Commissioner may give a written notice to a registered NDIS provider that paragraph 14(b) of this instrument no longer applies to the provider from the day specified in the notice (which must be at least 14 days after the notice is given).
Meaning of transition period
(8) In this section:
transition period means the period:
(a) starting on 1 July 2019; and
(b) ending on the earlier of:
(i) 31 January 2021; and
(ii) the day notice is given under section 30 that the NDIS worker screening unit is operational in Victoria.
26 Application—special arrangements for Queensland
(1) This section applies to a person or entity that has applied to be, or is, registered as a registered NDIS provider to deliver any class of support or service to a participant residing in Queensland.
(2) A registered NDIS provider is complying with the transitional arrangements when delivering services or supports in Queensland if that provider complies with this section.
Special arrangements during the transition period
(3) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is during the transition period; and
(b) any of the following apply:
(i) the person meets the requirements specified in the Disability Services Act 2006 (Qld) in relation to screening of persons engaged to provide services to people with disability;
(ii) the person meets the requirements specified in the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld) in relation to screening for regulated employment or regulated businesses;
(iii) the person engages in the risk assessed role in the person’s capacity as a registered health practitioner (within the meaning of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law 2009 (Qld)) and the person has a certificate of registration (within the meaning of that Act); and
(c) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (7) has not come into effect.
Special arrangements after the transition period
(4) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is after the end of the transition period; and
(b) immediately before the end of the transition period:
(i) the person satisfied paragraph (3)(b); or
(ii) the person has made a valid application to seek to meet a requirement mentioned in subparagraph (3)(b)(i) or (ii) and that application has not been decided; and
(c) it is before the transition time for the person; and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (7) has not yet come into effect.
(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4)(c), the transition time for a person is the later of the following:
(a) if the person meets subparagraph (4)(b)(i)—the day the relevant notice or certificate that the person held immediately before the end of the transition period expires;
(b) if the person meets subparagraph (4)(b)(ii)—the earlier of the following:
(i) if the person is granted a notice in relation to the valid application mentioned in that subparagraph—the day that notice expires;
(ii) if the person is not granted a notice in relation to that valid application—the day the person was notified of the decision not to grant the notice.
(6) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is after the end of the transition period; and
(b) the person is a secondary school student on a formal work experience placement with the provider; and
(c) the person is directly supervised by a person who meets the requirements of paragraphs (4)(b) and (c); and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (7) has not yet come into effect.
Notice
(7) The Commissioner may give a written notice to a registered NDIS provider that paragraph 14(b) of this instrument no longer applies to the provider from the day specified in the notice (which must be at least 14 days after the notice is given).
Meaning of transition period
(8) In this section:
regulated business has the meaning given by the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld).
regulated employment has the meaning given by the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld).
transition period means the period:
(a) starting on 1 July 2019; and
(b) ending on the earlier of:
(i) 31 January 2021; and
(ii) the day notice is given under section 30 that the NDIS worker screening unit is operational in Queensland.
27 Application—special arrangements for Tasmania
(1) This section applies to a person or entity that has applied to be, or is, registered as a registered NDIS provider to deliver any class of support or service to a participant residing in Tasmania.
(2) A registered NDIS provider is complying with the transitional arrangements when delivering services or supports in Tasmania if that provider complies with this section.
Special arrangements during the transition period
(3) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is during the transition period; and
(b) the person is registered to engage in a regulated activity under the Registration to Work with Vulnerable People Act 2013 (Tas.); and
(c) the registration is in terms that allow the person to engage in the role concerned; and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (8) has not yet come into effect.
(4) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is during the transition period; and
(b) the person is a secondary school student on a formal work experience placement with the provider; and
(c) the person is directly supervised by a person who meets the requirements of paragraphs (3)(b) and (c); and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (8) has not yet come into effect.
Special arrangements after the transition period
(5) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is after the end of the transition period; and
(b) immediately before the end of the transition period, the person met the requirements of paragraphs (3)(b) and (c); and
(c) it is before the transition time for the person; and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (8) has not yet come into effect.
(6) For the purposes of paragraph (5)(c), the transition time for a person is the earlier of:
(a) 3 years after the person was registered to engage in a regulated activity under the Registration to Work with Vulnerable People Act 2013 (Tas.); and
(b) the expiry of the registration that the person held immediately before the end of the transition period.
(7) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is after the end of the transition period; and
(b) the person is a secondary school student on a formal work experience placement with the provider; and
(c) the person is directly supervised by a person who meets the requirements of paragraphs (5)(b) and (c); and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (8) has not yet come into effect.
Notice
(8) The Commissioner may give a written notice to a registered NDIS provider that paragraph 14(b) of this instrument no longer applies to the provider from the day specified in the notice (which must be at least 14 days after the notice is given).
Meaning of transition period
(9) In this section:
transition period means the period:
(a) starting on 1 July 2019; and
(b) ending on the earlier of:
(i) 31 January 2021; and
(ii) the day notice is given under section 30 that the NDIS worker screening unit is operational in Tasmania.
28 Application—special arrangements for ACT
(1) This section applies to a person or entity that has applied to be, or is, registered as a registered NDIS provider to deliver any class of support or service to a participant residing in the Australian Capital Territory.
(2) A registered NDIS provider is complying with the transitional arrangements when delivering services or supports in the Australian Capital Territory if that provider complies with this section.
Special arrangements during the transition period
(3) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is during the transition period; and
(b) the person is registered to engage in a regulated activity under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 (ACT); and
(c) the registration is in terms that allow the person to engage in the role concerned; and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (8) has not yet come into effect.
(4) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is during the transition period; and
(b) the person is a secondary school student on a formal work experience placement with the provider; and
(c) the person is directly supervised by a person who meets the requirements of paragraphs (3)(b) and (c); and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (8) has not yet come into effect.
Special arrangements after the transition period
(5) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is after the end of the transition period; and
(b) immediately before the end of the transition period, the person met the requirements of paragraphs (3)(b) and (c); and
(c) it is before the transition time for the person; and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (8) has not yet come into effect.
(6) For the purposes of paragraph (5)(c), the transition time for a person is the earlier of:
(a) 3 years after the person is registered under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 (ACT); and
(b) the expiry of the registration that the person held immediately before the end of the transition period.
(7) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is after the end of the transition period; and
(b) the person is a secondary school student on a formal work experience placement with the provider; and
(c) the person is directly supervised by a person who meets the requirements of paragraphs (5)(b) and (c); and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (8) has not yet come into effect.
Notice
(8) The Commissioner may give a written notice to a registered NDIS provider that paragraph 14(b) of this instrument no longer applies to the provider from the day specified in the notice (which must be at least 14 days after the notice is given).
Meaning of transition period
(9) In this section:
transition period means the period:
(a) starting on 1 July 2019; and
(b) ending on the earlier of:
(i) 31 January 2021; and
(ii) the day notice is given under section 30 that the NDIS worker screening unit is operational in the Australian Capital Territory.
29 Application—special arrangements for Northern Territory
(1) This section applies to a person or entity that has applied to be, or is, registered as a registered NDIS provider to deliver any class of support or service to a participant residing in the Northern Territory.
(2) A registered NDIS provider is complying with the transitional arrangements when delivering services or supports in the Northern Territory if that provider complies with this section.
Special arrangements during the transition period
(3) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is during the transition period; and
(b) the person has a clearance notice granted under the Care and Protection of Children Act 2007 (NT) that is in force; and
(c) the clearance notice is in terms that allow the person to engage in the role concerned; and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (8) has not yet come into effect.
(4) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is during the transition period; and
(b) the person is a secondary school student on a formal work experience placement with the provider; and
(c) the person is directly supervised by a person who meets the requirements of paragraphs (3)(b) and (c); and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (8) has not yet come into effect.
Special arrangements after the transition period
(5) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is after the end of the transition period; and
(b) immediately before the end of the transition period, the person met the requirements of paragraphs (3)(b) and (c); and
(c) it is before the transition time for the person; and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (8) has not yet come into effect.
(6) For the purposes of paragraph (5)(c), the transition time for a person is the earlier of:
(a) 2 years after the person was given a clearance notice under the Care and Protection of Children Act 2007 (NT); and
(b) the expiry of the clearance notice that the person held immediately before the end of the transition period.
(7) A registered NDIS provider may allow a person to engage in a risk assessed role at a time when the person does not have a clearance if:
(a) it is after the end of the transition period; and
(b) the person is a secondary school student on a formal work experience placement with the provider; and
(c) the person is directly supervised by a person who meets the requirements of paragraphs (5)(b) and (c); and
(d) a notice (if any) issued to the provider by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (8) has not yet come into effect.
Notice
(8) The Commissioner may give a written notice to a registered NDIS provider that paragraph 14(b) of this instrument no longer applies to the provider from the day specified in the notice (which must be at least 14 days after the notice is given).
Meaning of transition period
(9) In this section:
transition period means the period:
(a) starting on 1 July 2019; and
(b) ending on the earlier of:
(i) 31 January 2021; and
(ii) the day notice is given under section 30 that the NDIS worker screening unit is operational in the Northern Territory.
30 Notice that NDIS worker screening unit is operational in a jurisdiction
The Minister may, by notifiable instrument, give notice that the NDIS worker screening unit for a State or Territory is operational in that State or Territory, with the agreement of that State or Territory.
