The protection of children is a national priority across Australia. Every state and territory has introduced legislation to ensure organisations working with children create safe, supportive environments. While the details vary by jurisdiction, all organisations share a common responsibility: to build cultures that prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
To learn about the specific laws, compliance timelines, and resources for your state or territory, select your location below
Australia’s States have adopted 10 National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, developed by the National Office for Child Safety and the Australian Human Rights Commission. These principles align with recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and provide a consistent framework for organisations to follow nationwide.
Many states have a universal principle (or added standard) of cultural safety, that applies across all ten, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children feel included and respected.
These principles and state-based laws are not just organisational compliance obligations — they are about creating environments where children and families feel genuinely safe, respected, and heard. By embedding child safe practices, organisations build trust, strengthen community confidence, and protect children from harm.
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