Do I Need a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check?

Whether you are applying for a job, applying to volunteer, or getting ready to work in a probity role, you have undoubtedly come across the phrase “Background Check.” But what is it and do you need one? Now let us look into the details surrounding background checks in Australia, such as when they are necessary, how they function, and their importance.

Australian National Character Check (ANCC) provides background checks to people working in Australian organizations.

Check timeframes: The background check application form can be completed online in a matter of minutes. The majority of results are sent out within 24 business hours.

Do you work in HR in an Australian organization and need background checks for workers? Australian National Character Check (ANCC) provides a streamlined solution for background check via our business portal.

Please apply for your background check via the individual portal here.

Businesses (transport, postal, mining, healthcare, and warehousing industries) seeking bulk background checks can apply for access to the ANCC Business Portal.

A background check is a document detailing a person's disclosable criminal history in Australia, which consists of charges, convictions, and even open court matters. Another name for it is the Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, provided by the ANCC. Organisations and employers, along with licensing agencies, deploy background checks to evaluate individuals for roles that need strict trust boundaries, safety assurances, and legal adherence.

Not everyone needs a background check, but specific roles and industries require one by law or policy. Here's a breakdown of common scenarios:

1. Employment

   Many jobs in Australia mandate a background check to ensure public safety and compliance with industry standards. These include:

   • Healthcare: Doctors, nurses, aged care workers.
   • Education: Teachers, childcare workers, tutors.
   • Government Roles: Police officers, public servants, and defence personnel.
   • Finance: Bankers, financial advisors.
   • Legal professionals, such as lawyers and paralegalss, are keepers of confidential information; therefore, background checks may be a mandatory requirement.
   • Security employees: Those intending to work within the security services must undergo background checks as they work in highly trusted positions.
2. Volunteering

For example, coaching a youth sports team or volunteering at a hospital.

3. Licensing and Certifications

   Beyond employment, obtaining specific regulated licences and certificates may require a background check:

   • Real Estate Agents
   • Transportation: The licensing of public vehicle drivers, including taxi operators and rideshare service providers, often demands a background check as part of the accreditation process.
   • Liquor Licensing: Some liquor license applications require applicants to supply a background check for the assessment phase.
4. Personal Probity and Business Transactions

Stakeholders performing business partnership evaluations, mergers, or acquisitions typically require background checks from potential associates who may join their operations. Such checks serve to reduce possible risks that threaten both finances and public reputation.

Below is a quick reference table for common roles:

Note: While some professions do not mandate a background check, employers may still request one based on internal policies or specific role requirements.

Organisations use background checks to:

1. Protect Vulnerable People: Ensure those working with children or older people have no history of harm.
2. Uphold Workplace Safety: Mitigate risks in roles involving sensitive data, finances, or public trust.
3. Meet Legal Obligations: Certain industries are legally bound to screen employees.
4. Maintain Reputation: Employers avoid liability by hiring trustworthy candidates.

Obtaining a background check is straightforward:

1. Choose an Accredited Provider: Use accredited, approved services like ANCC for fast, secure processing.
2. Submit Your Application: Begin your application by filling in your complete name alongside your birth date and previous addresses, and presenting your valid identification, such as a passport or driver's licence.
3. Wait for Results: The outcomes of most checks become available in 24 hours to 15 days, while complex requests might extend the verification period.

A background check is a point-in-time document, meaning it reflects your history only up to its issue date. While there's no official expiry, many employers require checks to be less than 3 months old.

A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check will reveal the candidate's Disclosable Court Outcomes.

The Jurisdiction will release such records per the purpose of the check or where the offences are relevant.

If the candidate has a clean record, their result will return as a No Disclosable Court Outcomes (NCDCO).

The Disclosable Court Outcomes (DCO) are generally part of a candidate's criminal history. They may include:

• Court Convictions
• Sexually related assault
• Finance-related offences
• Pending charges
• Arrest Warrants
• Good Behaviour Bonds

A criminal record doesn't always disqualify you. Employers consider:

• Relevance: A minor offence (e.g., speeding) may not affect a teaching application.
• Time Passed
• Disclosure: Honesty during the application process is critical. Lying is a major red flag.

For serious offences (e.g., financial fraud), specific roles may remain inaccessible.

Background checks are a vital part of Australia's commitment to safety and integrity. Whether you're starting a new job, volunteering, or so on, understanding when and why you need a check ensures you stay compliant.

At Australian National Character Check, we streamline the process with affordable checks.

Ready to apply? Please start your application here or contact our team for personalised support