Child Protection

Australia is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. DFAT is committed to upholding the rights of the child and Australia’s obligations under this convention. In all actions concerning children, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.

Participants in a Global Learning project must recognise that it is the shared responsibility of all adults to prevent child exploitation. If a learning abroad program involves working with children, all staff and students are required to comply with the Western Sydney University Working with Children (Workers and Students) Policy and Australian Government Child Protection Policy.

Defining Child Abuse and Exploitation

The term “child abuse” includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse, and neglect. The phrase “exploitation” can cover a multitude of situations or practices. If you are unsure about what constitutes child exploitation and abuse, contact the Child Protection Compliance Section for confidential advice via telephone +61 2 6178 5100 or email childprotection@dfat.gov.au.

Reporting Child Exploitation

Western Sydney University

The University has an obligation under the Act to notify the Office of the Children's Guardian of any finding by the University that a Worker has engaged in sexual misconduct committed against, with or in the presence of a Child, including grooming of a Child; or any serious physical assault of a Child. For further information about reporting an incident see the Working with Children web page.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

To report an instance, suspicion or allegation of child exploitation and/or abuse, you may do so by using the form available on the DFAT website. Child exploitation and abuse is not tolerated by DFAT and attracts criminal penalties under Australian legislation.

Quiz

All students participating in a project Global Learning experience must watch the above video and complete the quiz below. On completion of the quiz, return to the Go Global portal and confirm that you have watched the video and completed the quiz.

Contact

For further advice and information, contact goglobal@westernsydney.edu.au or Book for Advising.