Overview

A national police check is a check of an individual's criminal history across all jurisdictions in Australia. It includes information from state and territory police records, as well as from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC). This type of check is often required for employment, volunteering, or occupational licensing. For example, many jobs in the healthcare, education, and financial services industries may require a national police check as part of the application process.

Who Needs a Police Check

It is common for Volunteers to be required to go through screening processes, such as a background checks, in order to check their suitability for different roles. Especially when Volunteers will work with "vulnerable" populations such as the elderly, children, or those with disabilities. It may also be required where Volunteers are responsible for financial or driving duties.

Who Can Apply for a Police Check

Anyone can apply for a police check, but if they are under 18, may need a parent or guardian to sign as well. 

If you have lived overseas for more than 12 months in the last 10 years, you are required to provide national police checks from any country you have lived in for at least 12 months.

Why Do You Need a Police Check

Many organisations may request a police check to ensure they aren't bringing in a potential risk to their current staff and volunteers. A police check during the on-boarding process helps reduce risks, regardless of the industry the organisation is involved in.

Some roles are legally required to have a police check as part of the on-boarding process. Failing to get police checks from candidates can sometimes mean breaking the law.

Eligibility Requirements

Applying for a police check requires applicants to be of a minimum age, with each state and territory having their own requirements. Applicants that do not meet the minimum age, will require a parent/guardian to add their details and co-sign the police check form.

Applicants are usually required to supply 100 points of primary and secondary documentation, although requirements may vary across different states and territories. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have published a checklist of accepted IDs for a National Police Check, which is included to serve as an illustrative example. 

AFP Proof of Identity Documents.

Ensure you review the required documents of your jurisdiction before submitting an application.

Where to Apply

Not every state and territory has online applications and it may not be possible depending on the type of check you require. Below are the websites for each state and territories police checks and information on where they can be completed.

Important information

Most National Police Checks are completed within the hour. Sometimes it can take up to 10 business days to process. Checks requiring fingerprints may take 15 to 30 business days

If you are having any issues with your police check, you may be able to contact the police body of your state or territory. If you have applied with a third-party provider you should contact the provider for assistance.

Your local volunteering Peak Body may be able to help you apply for police checks. Contact your state or territory peak body for more information.

If you need a criminal record check for Australian citizenship, residency, spouse visa, guardianship of a child from another country, working visa, or while travelling or living abroad, you can apply online via the Australian Federal Police website.

Additional Resources

The type of work or volunteering you seek may need additional background checks. For more information on Working With Vulnerable People and Working with Children checks, refer to our article, Navigating Background Checks.