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Tasmania Child & Youth Safe Organisations

Introduction

Tasmania’s Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework was established under the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Act 2023. This framework requires many Tasmanian organisations that engage with children and young people to implement systems and practices that keep them safe from harm.

Under this framework, organisations must comply with:

  • –Child and Youth Safe Standards, including a Universal Principle for Aboriginal Cultural Safety
  • A Reportable Conduct Scheme
  • Information sharing provisions that support child protection and collaboration between agencies
  • Oversight and enforcement by an Independent Regulator

The Universal Principle: Aboriginal Cultural Safety

The Universal Principle under Tasmania’s Framework requires that all organisations create environments that are culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities.

Cultural safety goes beyond awareness or inclusion — it means creating spaces where Aboriginal children feel welcome, respected, valued, and free from racism or discrimination. In a culturally safe organisation:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people define what cultural safety means for them and how it should be measured.
  • Staff and volunteers are supported to develop the skills and awareness needed to recognise and address bias, racism, and systemic barriers.
  • Organisational systems, leadership, and policies are actively shaped to reflect and respect Aboriginal voices and perspectives.

Cultural connection is a recognised protective factor for children’s wellbeing and safety. If an organisation is not culturally safe, it cannot be fully child safe.

The Child & Youth Safe Standards

Tasmania’s 10 Child and Youth Safe Standards align with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations but include localised expectations specific to the Framework.

These Standards ensure that:

  • Safety and wellbeing are embedded in governance and culture.
  • Children and young people are empowered and involved in decision-making.
  • Families and communities are part of the safeguarding process.
  • Diversity and inclusion are respected.
  • Staff and volunteers are suitable, trained, and supported.
  • Complaints processes are accessible and child-focused.
  • Physical and online environments are proactively safe.
  • Continuous improvement and evaluation are part of everyday operations.

The Reportable Conduct Scheme

The Framework also establishes a Reportable Conduct Scheme, requiring certain organisations to report and investigate allegations of child-related misconduct by employees, volunteers, or contractors.

If an organisation becomes aware of a reportable allegation, it must promptly notify the regulator and undertake a proper investigation — while also notifying Tasmania Police if criminal conduct is suspected. The Scheme ensures that risks of harm are identified and addressed swiftly and consistently.

Who Must Comply

The Framework applies to organisations that provide services or activities for children and young people, including:

  • Education and childcare services
  • Residential care and accommodation services
  • Youth, health, disability, and counselling services
  • Sporting, cultural, or recreational organisations
  • Religious bodies and faith-based groups
  • Government agencies and councils with child-related functions

Even organisations not formally required to comply are encouraged to adopt the standards as best practice for safeguarding children in Tasmania.

Applying the Standards Through ChildSafe Group Training

Understanding how to apply the broad Tasmanian Child and Youth Safe Standards to your specific organisational context can be challenging. ChildSafe’s group training helps bring these requirements to life within your own setting — whether you’re a school, council, sports club, or community service. Our interactive sessions build shared understanding among your team, helping staff and volunteers recognise their responsibilities, identify practical steps for implementation, and embed the standards into daily practice.

Independent Regulator & Enforcement

The Independent Regulator oversees compliance with the Framework, monitors performance, and enforces obligations. It has the authority to:

  • Provide guidance and support for organisations implementing the standards
  • Collect and analyse data to improve child safety outcomes
  • Investigate non-compliance and take enforcement action where required
  • Support collaboration through information-sharing provisions to protect children

How ChildSafe Australia Can Help in Tasmania

Partner with ChildSafe Australia to turn these legal obligations into meaningful practice. ChildSafe partners with organisations across Tasmania to make compliance achievable and sustainable.

We provide:

  • Gap audits to assess readiness against the Child and Youth Safe Standards
  • Policy and procedure templates aligned to Tasmanian legislation
  • Training and coaching for staff, leaders, and boards
  • Support with investigations and reportable conduct responses
  • Cultural safety and community engagement strategies
  • ChildSafe Membership & Advisory Services
  • Online training for Individuals – Level 1 ChildSafe TAS 

Visit the Office of the Independent Regulator – Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework for official guidance.