1. Purpose
This Policy outlines the ways in which the Ministry will prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people and sets clear expectations about child safe practices for all members of the Ministry and the broader fellowship. This policy does not form any contract of service or employment.
All members of the Ministry and Fellowship share a common faith in Jesus Christ and seek to follow His example and teachings. Those serving in the Ministry, often referred to as “Gospel Workers” or “Workers”, have responded to a calling from God to preach the gospel and provide spiritual care to members of the fellowship.
The work of the Ministry includes hosting gospel meetings and special meetings, organising conventions and offering spiritual support. Gospel Workers also arrange regular small group gatherings for fellowship and Bible study, as well as twice-weekly gospel meetings that are open to both members of the fellowship and the public.
Members of the fellowship support the Ministry in many ways, including providing hospitality to Workers who reside with them for short periods as they move and live among the fellowship. The Ministry organises annual four-day conventions across the country and mid-year meetings for members of the fellowship. This policy applies to all of these activities.
This policy was written with a focus on children who come into contact with or engage with our fellowship. The testimony of our fellowship is supported and maintained by an open and transparent policy. We support a ministry that is itinerant and relies on the support of the fellowship to enable the gospel to be shared. All Workers and Elders are responsible for being aware of and supporting all aspects of a child safe environment. This policy will be available to people engaging with in the fellowship including parents, visitors, guests, children and young people, on our website ausnzinfo.com.
Child Safe Policy for NSW, SA, Northern Territory and ACT
2. Child Safety Statement
The safety, welfare and wellbeing of the child is extremely important and we believe that a child should never experience abuse, harm or risk of harm. All children have a right to feel safe and we are committed to listening to the voices of children and young people.
This policy complies with Child Safety Standards, Mandatory Reporting Requirements, Reportable Conduct Schemes, Royal Commission Recommendations in Australia and Privacy Legislation.
As a fellowship, including the Ministry, we are committed to and will:
conduct ourselves in a way that protects and safeguards all children and young people from any possible harm, risk of harm and abuse, at all times;
support and respect the healing of survivors of harm and abuse within the fellowship;
comply with reporting requirements of any suspicion of abuse and risk of harm to the appropriate authorities as an ethical, moral and where applicable mandated response;
create a safe environment for children and young people engaging in Ministry activities at all times; and
comply with the Child Safe Standards.
We do not tolerate harm or abuse to children and young people.
3. Reporting Harm and Risk of Harm
We will not attempt to manage reported abuse within the fellowship and all feedback and complaints will be managed in line with our Child Safety and Allegation Management Policy.
We will encourage all members of our fellowship to report any abuse or suspicion of abuse to the relevant authorities. We will provide access to training and provide reporting information at conventions and on our website.
4. Scope
This policy applies to all members of the Ministry and fellowship and to all activities facilitated by the Ministry, including:
Gospel Meetings
Conventions
While a Ministry member is staying in the home of a member of the fellowship
Special meetings
During any event organised by a member of the Ministry
This policy is not limited to these activities.
5. Definitions and References
Child/children or young person in this policy refers to a person who is under the age of 18 years. Each Australian state has a different definition of a minor and age of consent under Child Protection Acts and Criminal Law.
Child abuse refers to all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.
The ministry (or alternatively Gospel workers) is comprised of individuals who have devoted their lives to preach the gospel and who minister to the church
Elder refers to a member of the fellowship who facilitates a fellowship meeting (either in their own home or the home of another member of the fellowship).
Fellowship refers collectively to the group of people who form our church
Fellowship meeting refers to a private gathering in a home attended by members of the fellowship, usually attended at least weekly.
Convention refers to a four-day event that may be held on private property or in a public venue and attended by members of the fellowship. Attendance is by invitation only.
Special meetings refers to a private meeting held yearly for that all members of the fellowship are invited to attend. Attendance is by invitation only. May also be called Mid-Year Meetings.
Gospel meeting refers to a public gathering where two members of the ministry shares the gospel with all attendees.
Risk is a situation or circumstance that may potentially lead to harm or danger.
Harm is physical, emotional or psychological damage or injury caused to someone.
Abuse is the intentional harm, neglectful behaviour or mistreatment of another person which can be physical, emotional, sexual or psychological. It involves the misuse of power or control to cause injury, suffering or trauma.
Grooming refers to the process of building a relationship and trust with a child or vulnerable person to manipulate and prepare them for sexual abuse.
The following components form our Child Safe Policy:
6. Code of Conduct
The Ministry has a Code of Conduct and members of the Ministry are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct at all times in all locations and activities.
Visiting members of the Ministry are also expected to abide by the Code of Conduct while in Australia.
Breaches to the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action including:
A warning or reprimand;
Additional training on child safety;
Being asked to stand aside from the Ministry;
Being asked not to attend any fellowship gatherings; or
Reports being made to legal authorities.
7. Complaints Handling Processes and Reporting
All reports of child abuse and child safety concerns including for any young or vulnerable person will be taken seriously and responded to in line with the Ministry’s Child Safety and Allegation Management Policy. Any worker, volunteer or member who is under investigation will be stood down from attending any gathering of the fellowship. Any person convicted of an offence against a child will not be permitted to participate in any activities. All risk of access to children and young people will be managed by specific Safety Plans for individuals.
The Child Safety and Allegation Management Policy will be available to all members of the fellowship and an accessible version of the policy is available to children and young people on a child specific page of the ausnzinfo.com website.
If there is a reasonable belief that child abuse, harm or risk of harm has occurred, all national and state-based mandatory reporting legislation will be followed by elders, workers and overseers of Australia.
If there are immediate safety concerns for a child, call the following numbers:
New South Wales (NSW):
South Australia (SA):
Northern Territory (NT):
Police Assistance Line: 131 444
Child Protection Reporting: 1800 700 250 (24/7)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT):
Police Assistance Line: 131 444
Child Protection/Child Abuse Reporting Line: 1300 556 729
We have engaged Kooyoora, an independent, not-for-profit professional organisation to assist with our child safety and allegation processes. Kooyoora provide a confidential reporting for survivors and anyone with safety concerns and offers expert guidance to overseers, workers, and elders to ensure all matters are handled lawfully and sensitively.
Kooyoora: 1800 135 246
8. Families, Communities, Children and Young People
We recognise the importance of family and community and the need to involve families and caregivers when making decisions about children.
We recognise parental responsibility for providing education and boundaries to maintain child safety. We will respect any boundaries that parents have in place in this regard. We encourage open conversation and education in families around child safety.
Any behaviour or discipline contrary to current child safe standard laws/recommendations will be taken seriously and reporting according to the relevant authorities.
9. Screening and Selection
All members of the Ministry, including members of the fellowship who are commencing in the Ministry will:
Complete a police check with frequency determined by State-based requirements;
Provide two reference checks upon commencing in the Ministry;
Hold a valid Working with Children Check;
Ensure that the Code of Conduct complied with at all times; and
Will be issued with a copy of this policy.
10. Ongoing Education
All members of the Ministry will complete Child Safe training every two years. Ministry members will be supported to access additional training and education regarding child safety and safeguarding whenever possible.
11. Participation and Collaboration
The Ministry is committed to including and listening to the voices, views and opinions of children, young people and all members of the fellowship.
We understand the importance of providing multiple avenues for feedback and participation and will do this via:
Online feedback portal to ausnzinfo.com/feedback
Child Safety and Allegation Management Policy
We will have child safety coordinators at all significant events held by the fellowship. An external reporting line will also be available. The external reporting line number is 1800 135 246.
We are committed to listening and creating an open and honest dialogue among the fellowship that allows for a collaborative approach to keeping children and young people safe.
12. Non-Compliance
We require that all members of the ministry adhere to this policy, the Code of Conduct all other policies. Potential breaches by anyone will be investigated and may result in restriction of duties, including being suspended or stood down from the ministry, or further corrective action.
14. Governance and Review
All child safe policies and practices will be reviewed every three years or if legislative changes occur. We will maintain record keeping in respect of governance of the requirements of this policy.
All child safe policies and practices will be reviewed every 3 years or earlier if legislative changes are required.
Dated: August 2025
Approved by ChildSafe Australia.
Fostering a Fellowship that is child safe, supportive and nurturing for everyone.
If you think a child is in immediate danger, contact:
New Zealand - Call (111)
Australia - Call (000)