A mandated or mandatory reporter is a person who has regular contact with vulnerable people and is therefore legally required to ensure a report is made when abuse is observed or suspected, or a vulnerable person might be at risk of abuse.

If a mandatory reporter fails to meet their legal obligation to report, they may be prosecuted.

Mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect | Child Family Community Australia (aifs.gov.au)

Each state and territory in Australia currently have different mandatory reporting laws. It is essential that you become aware of the Laws in your state or territory.

For example, it is a legal requirement in Western Australia for doctors, nurses, midwives, teachers, police officers and boarding supervisors to report all reasonable beliefs of child sexual abuse to the Department of Communities – Child Protection and Family Support; however in NSW, health care workers, welfare workers, teachers, principals, counsellors, all children’s services workers, residential service workers, law enforcement, disability service workers, all religious ministers (all religions) and registered psychologists are ALL mandatory reporters.

If you are unsure if you are a mandatory reporter, follow the information links below for your State or Territory. Your service policies and procedures will make your roles and responsibilities clear.