Annual child safety statement of compliance

The Australian Public Service Commission is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. Our focus is on maintaining a safe, respectful, welcoming and inclusive environment for all children and young people.

We recognise that safeguarding children is a shared responsibility across the Commission. To uphold this commitment, the Commission:

• develops and maintains policies and procedures to protect children and young people
• ensures all staff are aware of, and comply with, these policies and procedures
• conducts regular reviews and updates of child safety related risks assessments
• complies with the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework
• adopts and implements, where applicable, the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

The Commission has zero tolerance for child abuse and exploitation. Any allegations or concerns regarding the safety of children and young people are treated most seriously. Children have every right to feel safe, respected, valued and protected from harm. The Commission will never knowingly engage – directly or indirectly – with individuals who poses a threat to children.

While the Commission’s core functions do not involve direct interaction with children, we recognise we must ensure our staff are aware of their obligations. We embed practices that support child safety and wellbeing into our leadership, governance and culture.

Risk Management and Suitability Assessments

All Commission staff are required to hold, at a minimum a Base Security Clearance through the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA). These clearances include assessment of security risks, including any identified or potential risk to children.

A 2024 review of child safety risks within the Commission identified infrequent occasions where staff might come into contact with children and young people in the workplace. To manage these risks:

• Guidance is in place to ensure children brought to the workplace are always accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• The Commission’s contact with young people primarily occurs through participation in the School Leaver Program for Australian’s who have recently completed their Year 12 Certificate (or equivalent).

Child Safe Initiatives and Future Activities

During the reporting year, the Commission undertook several initiatives to strengthen child safety, with further actions planned:

• a review of our internal child staff policy
• improving staff awareness and understanding of the Commission’s Child Staff Policy and their obligations under the policy
• offering staff optional training on the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework through our on-line learning and development system (available to all staff through APSLearn)
• scheduled review of the child safe risk assessment for the 2025-26 financial year
• ensuring working with vulnerable people checks are completed where appropriate as per the Child Safe Policy
• revamped internal intranet content to improve support and uplift in child safety capability.

Ongoing Commitment

The Commission acknowledges that managing child safety is an ongoing responsibility. We will regularly review the risks, impacts and controls to ensure child safety is embedded in all relevant aspects of our operations.