Australian Police Check Is Outdated: The Term to Use Instead

Understanding the Shift from “Australian Police Check” to “Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check”

As a leading online background check vendor in Australia, and trusted partner to thousands of clients in Australia and worldwide, we believe that clarity and compliance are at the heart of the hiring process.

Recently, there’s been a shift in the terminology used to describe criminal history checks, with the industry moving away from the commonly used phrase “Australian police check” to the more precise and accurate terms “Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check” and “National Police Certificate.”

This change might seem subtle, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring that accredited background check companies, including InterCheck Australia, remain compliant with the requirements of the National Police Checking Service, and that they foster trust in their hiring practices.

The Rise of “Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check”

For years, the term “police check” or “Australian police check” was widely used across Australia. It’s been the go-to phrase for any criminal background check, regardless of whether it was conducted locally, nationally, or via a private company or a state- or territory-based police agency. As background check services evolved and the regulatory framework tightened, it became evident that the term “police check” isn’t fully reflective of the process and source involved, nor did it capture the broader scope of the check.

A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) refers to a formal process where a criminal history check is conducted across all police jurisdictions in Australia and is facilitated by the National Police Checking Service. This ensures that an individual’s criminal record is checked against the national database. Whether as part of pre-employment screening, licencing, probity, or otherwise, this process is comprehensive, accurate, and ensures compliance with Australian law.

In contrast, the term “Australian police check” is more reflective of the service provided by Australian state and territory police jurisdictions. Australian police checks align with the jurisdiction and laws of the state and territory and the output is Police Certificate.

While the phrase “Australian police check” might have sufficed in some contexts, it doesn’t reflect the scope of the checks available under national coordination and the manner by which they’re vetted in line with the standards set by all Australian police agencies. One example is the Australian Federal Police (AFP) that facilitate National Police Certificates for Commonwealth and ACT purposes, and may vet results to align with ACT or federal legislation.

Why the Change Matters for Compliance

Using the correct term, Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check to describe checks undertaken by using the National Police Checking Service, is more than just a matter of language. It’s a demonstration of a commitment to regulatory compliance, accuracy, understanding and transparency.

Regulatory Compliance: The shift to this more specific terminology is in line with current regulatory and accreditation requirements in Australia. The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) work with Australian police agencies to facilitate the National Police Checking Service. This includes managing the accredited organisations, utilising the National Police Checking Service to coordinate criminal history checks at the national level. When businesses that are not police agencies use the term “police check,” they may be unintentionally misrepresenting the scope and accuracy of the check, leading to potential miscommunications or even non-compliance when using the Service.
Clarity and Accuracy: Using the precise language of “Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check” ensures there’s no ambiguity about the process and the source. It makes clear to both employers and job applicants that the check is being undertaken using national data and is based on the purpose and location for which it’s being sought, rather than the guidelines of a specific police agency. This clarity can reduce the risk of errors or misunderstandings about the extent of the check, ensures it’s fit for purpose and provides for better protection for the community, businesses, and their stakeholders.
Trust and Professionalism: In today’s job market, employers who are seen as knowledgeable and compliant with industry standards foster greater trust with job candidates and the public. By using the correct, legally recognised terminology, businesses not only demonstrate their understanding of the proper procedures but also show that they take their hiring practices seriously. This attention to detail helps build confidence in the integrity of the hiring process.
Commitment to Safety: For employers, the goal of a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is to ensure a thorough vetting process that can identify any criminal activity across Australia, minimising the risk to the community, their organisation, employees, and customers. By adopting the correct terminology, employers can communicate that their hiring decisions are based on comprehensive and trusted information.

Why “Australian Police Check” Isn’t Enough

While the term “Australian police check” is commonly used in the public sphere, it doesn’t accurately describe the full scope of the check or align with the official terminology set by Australian police agencies and the ACIC. The phrase “police check” suggests a check that’s undertaken by a police agency, that may be a more localised, jurisdiction-specific check, which, while important, may not reflect the specific, nationwide process that is available by undertaking a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

In order to be fully compliant with the requirements of the National Police Checking Service, businesses, including InterCheck Australia, must use the term Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check when discussing background checks that are undertaken through the National Police Checking Service. Different terminology may be used when discussing background checks undertaken via a police agency, such as the AFPs National Police Certificate check. This ensures that all parties involved in the process, including the background checking company, the employer, and the candidate are on the same page, with a clear understanding of the purpose and source of the criminal history check involved.

InterCheck Australia’s Commitment to Best Practices

For any business that handles “Australian police checks” as they may still be known, adopting the accurate terminology is a simple, yet powerful way to demonstrate compliance with police agencies and the National Police Checking Service, strengthens hiring practices, and builds a reputation for professionalism.

Whether you’re conducting criminal history and background checks for employees, contractors, positions of trust, or tenants, we believe using the proper language in Australia ensures that you’re fully aligned with legal requirements and best practices. It’s a small change with a significant impact on your organisation’s credibility, transparency, and overall trustworthiness.

By embracing the term Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check to access the National Police Checking Service, businesses in Australia are signaling their commitment to maintaining high standards, whether they’re performing checks in-house or using our third-party checking services. It’s a clear indication that they’re not only focused on the regulatory landscape but also on ensuring their processes are effective, reliable, and consistent.

Australian Police Check FAQs

What shows up on a police check Australia?

A “disclosable outcomes” finding may list the following information:

Court convictions, including penalties and sentences
Court appearances
Pending court matters
Charges
Findings of guilt without conviction
Traffic offences
Good behaviour bonds or other court orders
Warrants and/or warnings

Will interstate convictions appear on my certificate?

Yes, interstate convictions will appear on your National Police Certificate after running a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check in Australia. This is because the National Police Certificate provides a comprehensive overview of a person’s criminal history from all Australian jurisdictions. The check is coordinated through the National Criminal History Record System, which compiles criminal records from each state and territory, allowing authorities to access and review criminal convictions that have been recorded across the country. This is why we believe using the term “Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check” is more accurate and helpful than “police check,” as it’s more descriptive of the process.

How long is a police check valid for Australia?

A background check is a point-in-time check and based on the purpose for which it was requested. The organisation or requesting body that requires the check will typically determine the timeframe for a check result to be valid.

As a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is a point-in-time record based on the purpose declared in the application, the check result will only be available to you and/or the customer for three months following the release of the result by the National Police Checking Service. This is because a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check may not contain new offences that have occurred since the initial check submission, or some offences may become spent after the check is undertaken and released.

In addition, if the “purpose” of a check changes (i.e., job title or employer), this can affect the disclosure decisions made by police jurisdictions when vetting records. This means that a different release of information may apply for two different roles in the same organisation/industry.

You can find more information here on the ACIC website: Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check Validity.

I’ve been asked to provide a volunteer check. How do I apply for one?

A volunteer Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is for individuals who are seeking positions such as:

Volunteering with an Australian or overseas charity or not-for-profit organisation;
Volunteer foster carers;
Students undertaking a compulsory student placement (this doesn’t include unpaid work experience or internships); and
Volunteering with a community organisation, such as a school, religious organisation, community sports group, or government council (including volunteer board members).

Job seekers participating in the Work for the Dole scheme and family day care providers, educators, assistants, or family members aren’t entitled to access the ACIC volunteer check category.

There’s a discounted price on Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks for volunteers for $34.90.

I need a Working with Children Check (WWCC). How do I apply?

The Working with Children Check (WWCC) is separate from an Australian police check or Nationally Coordinated Criminally History Check and therefore not available through InterCheck Australia. A WWCC is required for individuals who want to work or volunteer with children, ensuring they have a clear background and are deemed safe to engage with minors.

WWCC regulations vary between Australian states and territories, so the first step is to find out the specific requirements in your jurisdiction. Some states require it for all people working with children, while others may have specific roles or sectors that need a check.

For each state or territory, there’s a government or official site where you can apply online or get information about the application process:

NSW: NSW Working with Children Check
VIC: VIC Working with Children Check
QLD: QLD Blue Card
SA: SA Working with Children Check
WA: WA Working with Children Check
ACT: ACT Working with Children Check
TAS: TAS Working with Children Check

How long does an Australian police check take?

InterCheck Australia’s online platform connects directly to the National Police Checking Service Support System (NSS) to finalise Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (formerly “Australian police check”) results in real time. 70% of results are returned in 1-2 business days. The remaining 30% take up to 15 business days or longer in some cases. For example, if you have a common name or a name that matches many potential Persons of Interest on policing systems, your results may take longer.

What’s a spent conviction?

In Australia, a spent conviction refers to a criminal conviction that, after a certain period of time, is no longer considered to be part of an individual’s criminal history for most purposes. This means that the individual is not required to disclose the conviction in certain contexts, and it generally won’t appear on a standard background check. The goal of spent convictions legislation is to give people who have been convicted of minor offences a chance to move on from their past and reintegrate into society without the long-term consequences of a criminal record.

The period of time before a conviction becomes “spent” typically depends on the nature of the offence and the jurisdiction. It’s important to note that not all convictions can become spent. More serious offenses, such as those involving violence or sexual crimes, may not be eligible for this status.

Are spent convictions ever released?

In most cases, once a conviction is deemed spent, it cannot be disclosed as part of a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. However, there are some exceptions where spent convictions may still be revealed:

Exclusions: In certain cases, spent convictions may be disclosed if they’re relevant to a position of trust, such as in the case of working with children or vulnerable adults, or in roles where public safety is a concern (e.g., police officers, teachers, healthcare workers). Specific government positions may also require the disclosure of spent convictions.
Disclosure by the Individual: Even though a spent conviction isn’t required to be disclosed in most situations, individuals may choose to voluntarily disclose their spent convictions. This is often done when applying for roles that are exempt from the spent conviction rules.
Court Orders: If an individual is convicted of an offence after their conviction becomes spent, the spent conviction may be revoked. The individual may then have to disclose previous convictions in relation to their new offence.
Exceptions in Legislation: In some jurisdictions, legislation may specify certain types of convictions or individuals (e.g., serious offences or repeat offenders) where spent convictions may be released, despite the general protection.

How do I dispute information contained on my certificate?

Where the result of a check undertaken through the National Police Checking Service contains a Disclosable Court Outcome, InterCheck Australia will:

Ensure you’re notified of the result as soon as practicable after we have received it; and
Ensure you have sufficient time to review the results and raise a dispute or any concerns with the results; and
Ensure any dispute raised by you is resolved prior to any sharing with another individual or entity.

You have a right to dispute the result of your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check or a National Police Certificate.

Click here for more information: Dispute Results.

Can I apply for a National Police Certificate for or about someone else?

In Australia, you cannot apply for a National Police Certificate (the outcome of a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check) on behalf of someone else without their explicit consent. This is a critical point to ensure privacy and compliance with the law.

If you’re authorised to apply on behalf of someone else (e.g., for employment purposes or as part of a legal requirement), you need to follow these steps:

Obtain Written Consent: The person whose history is being checked must complete a consent form to authorise you to submit the request on their behalf. This can be done in person or through an electronic form, depending on the service provider’s process.
Provide Identification Documents: Just as the individual would, you will need to supply their identification documents as part of the application process, such as a passport, driver’s licence, or birth certificate.

When conducting background checks for potential employees or contractors, an employer can request a National Police Certificate on behalf of the candidate, provided the candidate gives their consent as described above.

The reason for requiring consent is to protect an individual’s privacy. Criminal history is considered sensitive personal data, and applying for a police certificate without consent could lead to breaches of privacy laws. It also ensures that the individual is aware of the check and can contest or clarify anything that might come up during the process.

Get a Compliant Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check with InterCheck Australia

Language matters, especially when it comes to compliance and regulatory practices in Australia.

As background check services evolved and the regulatory framework tightened, it became evident that the term “police check” isn’t fully reflective of the process and source involved, nor did it capture the broader scope of the check.

The shift from the colloquial term “Australian police check” to the more precise and accurate terms “Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check” and “National Police Certificate” is a crucial step for businesses that want to align with legal standards and enhance their hiring processes.

Using the correct terminology reflects InterCheck Australia’s commitment to regulatory compliance, helps prevent misunderstandings, and fosters trust in background screening practices. By adopting this terminology, we’re affirming our organisation’s position as a leader in responsible, transparent, and effective screening practices.

Personal Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check

Click here to get started. Whether it’s at the request of an employer or for your own personal records, we have everything you need to run a Nationally Coordinated Criminal Record Check online.

Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check for Business

If you want to learn more about how InterCheck Australia’s Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check services can help your business stay compliant and secure, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Certn.co/ANZ. Our team of experts is here to ensure that your hiring practices are sound and in line with the latest industry standards.