Every day we come into contact with people, (adults, children and young people) who are vulnerable in one way or another. As a church we are privileged to be in a position where these people trust us. 

All congregations, presbyteries, organisations, and committees within the Presbyterian Church of Australia in NSW, ACT, WA and Tasmania are committed to upholding the responsibilities and principles of Breaking the Silence.

Therefore, we have an obligation to respond and report appropriately when we become aware that someone has been abused, and are required to contact the Conduct Protocol Unit when a notifiable circumstance is made known. 

The legal reporting requirements can differ depending upon what kind of abuse has taken place and who is involved the CPU can provide assistance to determine what reporting may be required to external authorities and what needs to happen within the church.

All notifiable circumstances must be reported to the CPU immediately.

Anyone may make a report to the Police or Community Services if they have reasonable grounds to believe a child is at risk of significant harm.

In the church it has been agreed that any person with a position of authority within the church, be it paid or unpaid, or any person working with children or young people in any capacity will consider themselves to be mandatory reporters, even where they may only be voluntary reporters under legislation.

In all States and Territories, regardless of whether mandatory reporting is required under legislation, any person in a position of authority within the church who knows, believes or suspects on reasonable grounds, that a child or young person is at risk of harm or has suffered abuse must make a report to the CPU.

In States and Territories where mandatory reporting applies to a person because of their role within the church this report must be made to the appropriate authority. For those whose role within the church does not make them a mandatory reporter, and in those States and Territories where mandatory reporting does not apply, the report must be made within the church to the CPU.

The CPU makes appropriate notification to insurers on behalf of supervising bodies.

Protection of persons making a report:

If, in relation to a child or young person, a person makes a report in good faith to Community Services or to a person who has the power or responsibility to protect the child or young person, such as the Police, legislation in most States and Territories provides significant protection. If you have any concerns about this aspect of reporting, please contact the CPU.