NSW: Is an onsite building manager required to obtain a Police Check or Working with Children Check?

Question: Is our onsite building manager required to obtain a Police Check and Working with Children Check (WwCC)?

I am the secretary of a strata committee for a 300-unit complex with pool, spa, and gym amenities. Is our onsite building manager required to obtain a Police Check and Working with Children Check (WwCC)? Is this best practice and part of our due diligence for ensuring the safety of our community?

Answer: I can see the importance of such a check to certain communities.

The legislation does not specify that a Working with Children Check needs to be provided. I understand requirements exist specifically when the role involves supervising children (e.g. schools, care centres, etc): Apply for a Working with Children Check (WWCC)

The Working with Children Check (WWCC) is a requirement for anyone who works or volunteers in child-related work in NSW. It involves a National Police Check (criminal history record check) and a review of reportable workplace misconduct.

With that said, the strata scheme/committee could stipulate to the building management group that the provision of such a police check is a mandate for performance under the contract.

I haven’t seen this as a requirement of a building management agreement for the reason that the work is not specifically child-related, however, I can see the importance of such a check to certain communities.

Andrew Terrell
Bright & Duggan
E: Andrew.Terrell@bright-duggan.com.au
P: 02 9902 7100