02-07-2025
Port Kennedy man fined over lying on working with children's check application
A Port Kennedy man has been fined for lying on a working with children check application, claiming to be employed by a sporting organisation.
The 42-year-old was fined $800 and given a spent conviction after pleading guilty to knowingly providing false and misleading information.
The man submitted an application in September 2023 while unemployed, but stated he was working in child-related work as a Willetton Basketball Association coach.
He falsely signed a part of the application on behalf of his employer, but had never been offered a job by the Association.
The breach was uncovered after an investigation by Communities' working with children screening unit.
Only applicants engaged in child-related work are eligible to apply for the mandatory clearance.
Communities regulation and quality executive director Angelo Barbaro said the Working with Children Check was an important strategy in reducing risk of harm to children.
'Providing false information in connection with a Working with Children Check, be it to the employer or the Department, will be taken extremely seriously and prosecution action is taken where warranted,' he said.
'This Court action serves as a reminder to anyone who is engaged in child-related work to ensure they hold a valid Working with Children Card, and organisations must ensure due diligence when engaging a person in child-related work.'
