Following its endorsement at Tuesday night’s Council meeting, a draft Child Safeguarding Policy will soon be placed on public exhibition.

The primary purpose of the draft Child Safeguarding Policy is to provide a set of overarching practices aligned to the Child Safe Standards recommended by the Royal Commission that demonstrates Council’s commitment to child safety.

Focus will be placed on the importance of:

• Providing and actively promoting a safe environment for children and young people

• Council maintaining its zero tolerance towards child abuse, and is committed to protecting the physical, emotional, cultural and social wellbeing of all children and young people

• Using policies and systems to protect children and young people. All allegations and safety concerns will be treated seriously

• Acknowledging that protecting the safety of children and young people is a whole of community responsibility and is everyone’s business

Mayor Michael Regan said the draft policy will apply to all Council workers, including Councillors, employees, trainees, work experience and internships, volunteers, agents, consultants, contractors and employees of contractors.

“Council has a responsibility to adopt preventative and responsive systems, policies and practices to safeguard children and young people from harm and abuse.

 “It is vital everyone in our community feels safe and support measures are in place to combat any form of abuse, especially when it comes to children,’’ the Mayor said.

The draft Policy will be placed on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days through Your Say with the local community encouraged to comment.