Summary

On 30 April 2025, the Ombudsman’s report, Western Australia’s Reportable Conduct Scheme: A review of systems to protect children was tabled in Parliament.

The report examined the compliance of organisations with legislative requirements to have systems in place under Western Australia’s Reportable Conduct Scheme (the Scheme). The Scheme compels heads of organisations that exercise care, supervision or authority over children to notify the Ombudsman of allegations and convictions of child abuse by their employees and then investigate the allegations. The Ombudsman oversees these investigations. The Scheme covers organisations in a range of settings including schools, religious institutions, childcare centres, hospitals, detention centres and out-of-home care.