The Commonwealth Child Safe Framework (the framework) sets minimum standards for Commonwealth entities to create and maintain behaviours and practices that are safe for children.  

Under Requirement 4 of the framework, Commonwealth entities are required to publish an annual statement of compliance with the Framework including an overview of the entity’s child safety risk assessment.  

The Administrative Review Tribunal (the Tribunal) is committed to promoting and maintaining a culture where the best interests of the child are a priority for all interactions involving children, and one that protects children and young people from the risk of harm or abuse while continuing to meet our statutory objective. We consider this commitment in our approach to all aspects of our work and are committed to complying with the Framework. 

Members and staff rarely interact with children while carrying out their duties so the risk factor is rated as low.  

Examples where members or staff may interact with children or young people include when a child/young person: 

• accompanies a parent or guardian to a Tribunal premises in connection with an application for review  
• attends a Tribunal premises to observe a hearing 
• undertakes work experience, internships, or employment at the Tribunal (or contact with us about these types of opportunities)
• attends education or outreach activities run by the Tribunal 
• participates in the Tribunal’s National Mooting Competition.

There are risks when children have direct contact with the Tribunal or its staff and members. These may include: 

• trauma or re-traumatisation through observation of, or involvement in, a Tribunal case  
• uncertainty as to the child’s involvement and rights in connection with a case.

The safety of children and young people is a priority for the Tribunal. 

The Tribunal has developed a Child Safety Policy and completed a review of existing policies to include child safety. 

We continue to demonstrate our commitment to the protection of children and young people through the implementation of the framework by: 

• making the 'Child Safe Organisations’ online training modules mandatory for all staff to ensure awareness and understanding of the framework 
• ensuring that children are always accompanied by a parent or guardian 
• ensuring that communication intended for children and young people is accessible and understandable to them  
• limiting the presence of children in circumstances where they are likely to experience emotional or physical distress 
• ensuring that contact with children is culturally appropriate and only using interpreters who are trained in working with children
• ensuring members and staff are always aware of the physical and emotional safety of participating children and that members and staff will not have unsupervised contact with children. 

Our Principal Registrar, Michael Hawkins AM, has endorsed the annual statement of compliance, demonstrating the Tribunal’s commitment to the protection of children and young people.

In accordance with Requirement 4 of the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework, the Tribunal has undertaken an annual risk assessment which can be found here.