The communiqué from the Standing Council on Community, Housing and Disability Services meeting held on 21 October outlined new arrangements for national short-term exemptions to the Working with Children Checks.

Commonwealth, state and territory ministers agreed to introduce, by late 2012, national exemptions to Working with Children Checks for paid employees and volunteers who are required to cross state or territory borders for work-related purposes.

These exemptions will be for up to 30 days in any 12-month period and will enable workers and volunteers with a valid check in their home state or territory to participate in national and inter-jurisdictional activities on a short-term basis. This means volunteers and workers with a valid check in their home state or territory will be able to participate in short-term activities across state and territory borders without the need for additional checks.

The ASC will provide more information to sports and sector partners as soon as it becomes available.

Read a copy of the full communiqué.