Criminal Record Screening Policy

Applicable to: This policy is applicable to WA health entities.

Description: The purpose of the Criminal Record Screening Policy (the policy) is to set the requirements for the consistent approach to the management of screening and recording criminal history of individuals providing health services to the WA health system.

The WA health system has a duty of care to take all reasonable steps to provide protection from harm to all clients and staff members receiving and providing health services from:

  • government organisations
  • non-government organisations funded by government
  • volunteer organisations involved in government services
  • private contractors providing services to government.

The WA health system also has a responsibility to the Western Australian public to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to ensure employees fulfil their obligations as public officers with integrity.

  • Legislation pertinent to this policy includes:
  • Public Sector Management Act 1994
  • Equal Opportunity Act 1984
  • Freedom of Information Act 1992
  • Spent Convictions Act 1988
  • State Records Act 2000
  • Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024.

This policy is a mandatory requirement for Health Service Providers under the Employment Policy Framework pursuant to section 26(2)(f) of the Health Services Act 2016.

This policy is also a mandatory requirement for the Department of Health pursuant to section 29 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994.

 This policy is to be read in conjunction with the following:

This policy supersedes OD 0275/10 Criminal Record Screening Policy and Guidelines

Date of effect: 13 March 2025

Policy Framework

Related documents

Supporting information