Should Tasmanians be concerned that some of our elected officials are considered unsafe around children? There are politicians known to be unsafe around children given that their Working with Vulnerable (WWVP) clearance has been rescinded. Still, they continue in elected office, as there is no legislative mechanism to remove them.

At the last State election, both major parties decided not to make a WWVP clearance prerequisite for their candidates. It was left to the minor parties and independent candidates to show leadership by making a WWVP clearance prerequisite to their candidacy.

Politicians routinely interact with children and those with disabilities and their status as elected officials confers a high level of trust. The Tasmanian WWVP legislation expressly says that those who are making decisions that impact the safety of children and vulnerable people are subject to this legislation.

There are multiple examples of politicians of all political stripes who have been found to have used their privileged position to predate children.

With another State election in prospect, the major parties have another opportunity to rectify this policy lapse. No-one wants to be represented by an elected official ultimately found to fail this most basic character test.

Key takeaways

1. All candidates for elected office be it local, state or federal government must secure and maintain a Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP Registration) clearance.
2. WWVP clearance is the most basic character test that aspiring politicians must satisfy.
3. No constituent wants to be represented by a person considered unsafe to be around children or other vulnerable people.