Every child deserves to be safe, and any organisation that works with children must do their part to protect them.
Tasmania’s Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework is a law that keeps children and young people physically and culturally safe in organisations. The Framework is established under the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Act 2023, which was made into law following state and national inquiries into institutional child abuse.
The Framework includes:
- the Child and Youth Safe Standards
- the Reportable Conduct Scheme
- information sharing provisions
- the Independent Regulator
The standards help create safe spaces where children can play, learn, and take part in activities without worrying about being hurt, neglected, or abused.
Why are these standards important?
Keeping children safe is everyone’s job. We know that children are much safer when organisations have good policies, well-trained staff, and clear ways of doing things. These standards help stop problems before they happen.
Get support
Tasmania – Local Support
Strong Families Safe Kids
Visit Website or call 1800 000 123
Sexual Assault Support Line – 24/7 free & confidential support
Phone: 1800 697 877
Family Violence Counselling & Support Service
Phone: 1800 608 122
Victims of Crime Service
Phone: 1300 300 238
Relationships Australia Tasmania
Phone: 1300 364 277
For culturally appropriate, trauma-informed legal and non-legal services contact SIS – Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Phone: 1800 747 827
National Support
1800RESPECT – Domestic, family & sexual violence counselling
Phone: 1800 737 732
Lifeline – If you’re overwhelmed or struggling
Phone: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 224 636
Blue Knot Foundation
Phone: 1300 657 380
MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 789 978
Men’s Referral Service
Phone: 1300 766 491
Reporting a Child Safety Concern
Emergency? Call 000 immediately.
Not sure what to do?
Visit Tell Someone or contact Strong Families Safe Kids at 1800 000 123
Concern involves a Council Worker?
Call Huon Valley Council on (03) 6264 0300
Ask to speak to someone about a child safety concern. Do not provide details to customer service.
Learn more about Council’s commitment, policy and key regulatory bodies:
Huon Valley Council Child Safe Statement of Commitment
We are committed to being a Child Safe Organisation, to protecting Children and Youth and promoting their safety within our organisation and the Huon Valley community.
We have zero tolerance to child abuse and harm. We are obligated to prioritise the safety of the Children and Youth who interact with Council Workers and where Children and Youth are present in Council Facilities and supervised by Council Workers in the performance of their role and to ensure we have processes in place to report Reportable Conduct.
We will comply with the Universal Principle of the right to cultural safety and the mandatory Child and Youth Safe Standards in the performance of our local government functions and service to the Huon Valley community.
We recognise the importance of the safety of Children and Youth in the provision of quality community services by Council. All Children and Youth who attend services, programs, events at Council Facilities (including online environments) that are delivered, owned, contracted, or managed by Council and supervised by Council Workers have the right to feel safe, be safe, and be respected.
Huon Valley Council’s Safeguarding Children and Youth Policy
Huon Valley Council passed its Safeguarding Children and Youth Policy on 25 September 2024 (Council Resolution No. 15.033/24). This policy shows Council’s commitment to keeping children and young people safe, with zero tolerance for any form of child abuse or harm.
The policy helps Council meet the requirements of Tasmania’s new child safety laws that started on 1 January 2024. It applies to everyone who works for Council—whether they’re paid staff, volunteers, contractors, or councillors—when they’re working with or supervising children and young people.
The policy makes sure that all children and youth who use Council services, attend Council programs or events, or visit Council facilities have the right to feel safe, be safe, and be treated with respect.
Office of the independent regulator
The Office of the Independent Regulator oversees Tasmanian organisations required to comply with the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework.
Further information and resources for organisations, parents & carers and children and young people can be found at the Office of the Independent Regulator website https://oir.tas.gov.au/home
Council’s Safeguarding Children and Youth Policy defines Council’s commitment, responsibilities and approach toward the safeguarding of children and young people through our operations.
Are you a Huon Valley Community group that would like support with making your organisation child and youth safe?
Reach out to Council’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisor Esther: eshilling@huonvalley.tas.gov.au