As of 29 September 2025, new changes have taken effect to the NSW Child Protection Register.

The goal of these reforms is to cast a wider net to protect children. Here’s what you need to know:

More offences now require registration

The list of offences that can land someone on the register has been expanded and include:

• Class 1 Offences: The most serious crimes, like the murder or aggravated sexual assault of a child, persistent sexual abuse, incest, child trafficking and certain crimes against humanity where victims are children.

• Class 2 Offences: This covers a wider range of conduct such as kidnapping, grooming, sexual touching, producing / disseminating child abuse material and slavery or forced labour involving children.

Registrable Person Orders (RPOs)

When a person is convicted, the sentencing court must make a formal order (an RPO) that officially places them on the register.

When must an RPO be made?

Under section 3C, an RPO will be made for:

• Adults: Where the offender receives any sentence other than a non-conviction order.
• Young Offenders: An RPO is only made if the child is sentenced for the registrable offence (other than by a non-conviction order), the Prosecution requests an RPO, and the court is satisfied the young person poses a risk to the safety of children.

The court will then give the offender a copy of the order, written notice of their duties, and explain the RPO. From that point, the offender is legally taken to know their obligations.

How long do you stay on the Register? (Reporting Periods)

The court will specify the reporting period. For adults, the periods are:

• 8 years for a single Class 2 offence.
• 15 years for a single Class 1 offence, or multiple offences (that do not trigger a lifetime obligation).
• Lifetime Reporting for serious repeat offenders.

Note: These periods are halved for people who were under 18 at the time of their offence.

Stricter Reporting Obligations

The rules for what you must report, and how quickly, have been tightened:

• First Report: You must submit an initial personal information report within 5 days (reduced from 7) of release from custody, sentencing, or arrival in NSW.
• Annual Report: You must submit an annual report that includes any time spent in government custody since your last report.
• Personal Information: You must report any changes to personal information within 5 days.
• Contact with Children: You must report any contact with a child within 24 hours, including supervising or caring, being in a household with a child, exchanging contact details, or attempting to establish or continue contact.
• Online Activity: You must provide details of all your online accounts and usernames. It is now a specific offence to play online games that allow you to communicate with children.
• Addresses: You must report any address you stay at for 7 days or more in a year (down from 14).
• Vehicles: You must report any vehicle you use for 7 days or more in a year (down from 14).
• Work Locations: You must report all work locations, and if you do not have a fixed workplace, provide contact details while working and disclose any workplace where you may reasonably encounter children.

Increased Police Powers to Check Compliance

Police can now inspect a registrable person’s home up to twice a year, with further inspections permitted if there is reasonable suspicion of an offence. They may also inspect vehicles and electronic devices. For those under 18, a suitable adult must be present during inspections.

What if You’re Travelling to NSW from Another State?

If you are already on a register in another state or territory, you must report to the NSW Police Commissioner within 5 days of arriving in NSW.

New Right to appeal certain decisions

The Act introduces a new avenue for review of certain decisions through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). This includes decisions about refusing travel or extending reporting obligations, giving you an independent path to challenge a decision.

These changes are complex and the consequences for getting it wrong are serious. If you’re unsure about how these changes affect your obligations, it’s crucial to get expert legal advice. For more information, contact the team at Streeton Lawyers.