Is the Working with Children Check the same in every Australian state?

No. Each state and territory runs its own scheme with different fees, validity periods and even different names. Queensland calls it a Blue Card; Tasmania calls it Registration to Work with Vulnerable People; ACT calls it a WWVP Check; NT calls it the Ochre Card. Validity ranges from 2 years (NT) to 5 years (NSW, VIC, SA, ACT).

Is a Working with Children Check free for volunteers?

In most states yes — NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and ACT issue volunteer WWCCs free of charge. Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory charge a reduced volunteer fee.

Can I use my interstate Working with Children Check in another state?

Generally no. Each state's WWCC is specific to that jurisdiction. If you move states or take on work interstate you usually need to apply for the new state's check. Limited mutual recognition exists for some short-term interstate work — check with the receiving state's authority.

Does a volunteer Working with Children Check cover paid work?

No. If you start paid child-related work you must upgrade your volunteer WWCC to a paid WWCC — usually within 30 days. The upgrade typically costs the same as a new paid application. A paid WWCC, however, covers you for volunteer work as well.

How long does a Working with Children Check take to process?

Most states process applications within 4-8 weeks. Simple cases (first application, no flagged history) can be faster. Complex cases with criminal history reviews take longer. Apply well in advance of the date you need to start work.

Working with Children Check Australia

by milly chen·23 april 2026

one check, eight different schemes. fees, validity and application process for every Australian state and territory. verified 23 april 2026.

there is no single national Working with Children Check in Australia. each state and territory runs its own scheme, with different fees, validity periods and even different names. most workers and volunteers in child-related roles (teachers, coaches, scout leaders, school volunteers, babysitters, childcare workers, paediatric nurses) need to hold the check for the state where they work.

pick your state below for the full breakdown, or skim the compare table first.

choose your state

New South WalesNSW

WWCC — paid $107, volunteer free, valid 5 years

VictoriaVIC

WWC Check — paid $131.60, volunteer free, valid 5 years

QueenslandQLD

Blue Card — paid fee set by regulation (approx $100) — check qld.gov.au for current rate, volunteer free, valid 3 years

Western AustraliaWA

WWC Check — paid $87 (plus GST), volunteer $11 (plus GST), valid 3 years

South AustraliaSA

WWCC — paid $115.50, volunteer free, valid 5 years

TasmaniaTAS

WWVP Registration — paid $130.90, volunteer $22.44, valid 3 years

Australian Capital TerritoryACT

WWVP Check — paid $135, volunteer free, valid 5 years

Northern TerritoryNT

Ochre Card — paid $88, volunteer $8, valid 2 years

every state at a glance

state	check	paid	volunteer	valid
NSW	WWCC	$107	free	5 yr
VIC	WWC Check	$131.60	free	5 yr
QLD	Blue Card	fee set by regulation (approx $100) — check qld.gov.au for current rate	free	3 yr
WA	WWC Check	$87 (plus GST)	$11 (plus GST)	3 yr
SA	WWCC	$115.50	free	5 yr
TAS	WWVP Registration	$130.90	$22.44	3 yr
ACT	WWVP Check	$135	free	5 yr
NT	Ochre Card	$88	$8	2 yr

key differences to know

validity varies from 2 to 5 years

NT (2 years) and QLD/WA/TAS (3 years) require more frequent renewal than NSW, VIC, SA and ACT (5 years). diarise the expiry date in your calendar.

volunteer fees are not universally free

NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and ACT issue volunteer checks free. WA, TAS and NT charge a reduced fee.

volunteer checks don't cover paid work

if you start a paid child-related job, you must upgrade from volunteer to paid within 30 days. a paid check, however, covers you for volunteer work too.

checks aren't portable

your NSW WWCC isn't valid in Victoria. if you move or take interstate work, apply for the receiving state's check. limited mutual recognition exists for short engagements — check with the receiving authority.

continuous monitoring applies

your check can be suspended or cancelled during its validity period if anything material changes in your criminal history. this is active in all 8 jurisdictions.

related guides

car seat laws by state

child restraint rules, taxi and Uber exemptions for every state.

Australia's under-16 social media ban

what's banned, what's exempt, what parents need to do.

fees and processing times are based on current information from each state's official authority as at 23 april 2026. fees are typically adjusted each financial year (1 july). always confirm on the official page before applying. mini mode is not affiliated with any state screening authority.