The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is committed to promoting and maintaining a culture that provides a safe environment for children and young people. As a Commonwealth entity, AFMA undertakes an annual risk assessment of compliance in accordance with the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework (CCSF) and publishes our statement each year. The Framework sets the minimum standards for creating and maintaining child safe cultures and practices in Australian Government organisations.
Annual statement of compliance with the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework
We are committed to the protection of children in accordance with the Child Safety Framework in the course of our work and work-related activities.
Our interactions domestically are predominantly with commercial fishing operators, industry associations and our committees and do not involve having any responsibility for or contact with children or young people. Accordingly, the residual risk level for child safety-related risks remains low.
Where relevant, we take preventative measures to ensure the protection and safety of children through adoption of the National Statement of Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
We completed our annual child safe risk assessment review on 22 October 2024. The assessment determined our level of risk to be low. To ensure continued compliance with the Child Safety Framework, AFMA will continue to undertake the following child safety measures and activities:
- Pre-screening of employees whose role will require direct contact with children.
- The requirement to obtain a Working With Children Check (WWCC) for employees whose role may come into contact with children.
- The requirement for any children visiting any AFMA-controlled premises to be signed into the Visitor’s Register, and to be supervised by their parent or guardian at all times.
- Provision of instruction to staff on child safety and protection requirements.
- Establishment of disciplinary provisions including, but not limited to, transfer to other duties, suspension, or termination of employment arrangements during an investigation or following the confirmation of allegations involving child exploitation or abuse.
Development of reporting processes to enable staff to report suspected or alleged cases of child exploitation or abuse. - Consideration of child protection and safety in planning, implementation and evaluation phases of business planning activities or programs.
- Requesting assurance from existing and potential contractors and grant recipients that their organisation and staff, including sub-contractors, meet the relevant legislative obligations for working with children.
AFMA will monitor compliance with the requirements of its Child Protection and Safety Policy through performance assessments, internal audit programs and quality assurance spot checks.