Mandatory reporting by Department of Health Staff
When you work for the Department of Health, you have a duty to report any concerns about the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
There are steps you must take if you believe or suspect a child is at risk.
The updated Reporting Child Safety Concerns Fact Sheet includes information to support you.
I’m concerned about the safety of a child
If you know, believe or suspect that an unborn baby, child or young person is being abused or neglected you must contact as soon as possible:
- the Advice and Referral line on 1800 000 123 or
- report online at Strong Families Safe Kids
If a child is at immediate risk and needs Police or medical assistance, dial 000.
What is abuse or neglect?
Abuse or neglect means:
- sexual abuse, or
- physical or emotional injury or other abuse or neglect, or
- exposure to family violence.
Staff at the Advice and Referral Line want to hear from you if you’re worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing. They will support you with making your notification.
As well as notifying the Advice and Referral line, you must notify Tasmania Police on the Police Assistance Line – 131 444.
My concern for the child(s) safety involves an employee, volunteer or contractor
You can raise concerns about the behaviour of an employee, volunteer or contractor through:
If the employee is a registered health practitioner who is behaving in a way that could present a significant risk to you, other patients or members of the public you also need to notify the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Visit AHPRA for more information.
Concerned about the management of historical allegations of child sexual abuse?
A Commission of Inquiry investigating responses of Tasmanian Government Agencies in relation to the management of historical allegations of child sexual abuse is now underway.
The Inquiry includes independent investigation into the systems (including legislation, policies, practices, and procedures) of the Tasmanian Health Service, Department of Health, and other relevant Government Agencies in relation to the management of historical allegations of child sexual abuse.
For more information call the Commission on 1800 950 110 or visit Commission of Inquiry.
Support is available
Child safety and conduct related matters are concerning and can affect everyone differently and you may want to talk to someone. Department of Health staff can get support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). You can contact EAP providers 24 hours a day, seven days a week to access free confidential counselling at:
- Catholic Care 1800 674 434
- Converge International 1300 687 327
- Newport and Wildman 1800 650 204
- Positive Solutions 1800 064 039
Other support services
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- beyondblue 1300 224 636
- 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
- Relationships Australia Tasmania 1300 364 277
- Sexual Assault Support Service Inc. 1800 697 877
