It is vital that approved providers respond appropriately to incidents that occur within their services. Notification provides transparency and accountability, and ensures that serious incidents, complaints, and breaches of the legislations are monitored, tracked, and resolved to the satisfaction of the Regulatory Authority. Approved providers have an obligation under the National Law to notify the department of certain incidents, complaints and changes to information.
This
Notification Decision Tree (NDT) will help approved providers to determine if a notification to the Regulatory Authority is required and the timeframe in which that notification should be made.
If a notification is needed, you will be directed to the
National Quality Agenda IT System to sign on and lodge the correct online form. Please include as much detail as possible, so we can quickly and accurately assess what (if any) action needs to be taken as a result of your notification.
If you make a notification that is not required under the law, it will be re-categorised as 'non-regulatory' and no further action will be taken. You will receive an email from your regional office explaining why it was considered non-regulatory.
Please note that information contained in the NDT is for general guidance only and you must consider the specific circumstances of each incident against the requirements of the legislation when you are making a decision about whether to notify.
Approved providers, educators and services may be required to report incidents or suspected incidents involving children under other State and Territory laws including child protection legislation.
It is the approved providers responsibility to understand their obligations and operate according to the law.