Renewals and screening checks – IEU to the rescue
It is mandatory for any person who works or volunteers with children to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC), and the WWCC is valid for five years from the date of issue.
For teachers, they must have a valid WWCC before they apply for, or renew, their teacher registration with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia (TRB).
Delays dealt with promptly
To assist members caught by delays, our Branch Secretary Tim Oosterbaan, reached out to the relevant minister’s office on behalf of members and was been able to achieve a rapid approval so that members can continue their paid employment without loss of income.
The South Australian Government WWCC website continues to advise that the screening unit is experiencing increased call volumes and application processing delays which will mean response and application processing times are longer than usual. They offer tips for troubleshooting for screening applications.
Renewals are sent 6 months in advance, so make a note in your calendar and be sure to look for it.
If you haven’t received it, contact the Department of Health Services – https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/rights-and-law/rights-and-responsibilities/screening-checks/screening-wwcc/for-individuals/expiring-check
Flagged or not — it doesn’t help you if time is running out
On more than one occasion recently, IEU members have alerted our office that their lodged WWCC renewals had not been received despite lodging many months in advance. One member had to resubmit their application at the last minute as the original application was either lost or misplaced.
IEU membership to the rescue
The benefits of IEU membership are wide and varied, and often not what you might expect!
Whilst we always recommend that you follow the process per the relevant departments, where you still can’t get timely assistance, and the deadline is looming, contact our office – enquiries@ieusa.org or 8410 0122.
https://www.trb.sa.edu.au/home/working-with-children-checks
https://www.esb.sa.gov.au/news/requirements-comply-child-safety-legislation-sa
22 September 2026
