Child Protection Screening

Mr TARZIA (Hartley) (14:58): My question is to the Minister for Volunteers. Has the minister's office received any correspondence that might suggest delayed applications for screening checks have resulted in applicants missing out on volunteering or employment opportunities?

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:58): Thank you very much for your question. Last financial year, 96 per cent of screenings were completed within 30 business days. I will continue to advocate and support that we keep up that percentage. Obviously, whether you are seeking a child-related screening for employment or volunteering, we will go through the system and we will deliver that within that 30 business days. Sometimes we do have more complex inquiries that take longer, but I have been very dedicated over the last few years to turn that around and have it happen as efficiently as possible.