Question On Notice No. 96 asked in the Legislative Council on 11 May 2021 by Hon Nick Goiran
Question Directed to the: Parliamentary Secretary representing the Attorney General
Parliament: 41 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the Spent Convictions Amendment Regulations 2021, and I ask:
(a) what
was the catalyst for bringing about these amendments to the regulations;
(b) who
was consulted prior to these amendment regulations being finalised;
(c) did
any person consulted raise any concerns;
(d) if
yes to (c), what were these concerns;
(e) have
the finalised amendment regulations addressed these concerns; and
(f) if
no to (e), why not?
Answered on 16 June 2021
(a) The Spent Convictions Amendment Regulations 2021 were made so that Western Australia could fully contribute to a nationally consistent worker screening regime for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Nationally consistent worker screening came into effect with the commencement of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Worker Screening) Act 2020 on 1 February 2021.
(b) The Attorney General was requested to make the Amendment Regulations by the former Minister for Disability Services to support the Act. Consultation occurred with the Department of Communities’ Working with Children Screening Unit and the Department of Justice’s Court and Tribunal Services Division.
(c) No concerns were raised in consultation.
(d-f) Not applicable.