Australian teachers and the law of mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse : developments and problems

Abstract

The evolution of mandatory reporting laws requiring Australian teachers to report child sexual abuse has a chequered history. Broadly, there now are three different legislative models in Australia’s eight jurisdictions, with six having a strong reporting duty, one having a uniquely restricted duty, and one having no reporting duty. Little empirical research has been conducted into the impact of the different laws on reporting practice, although the research that has been done indicates problems that may produce significant numbers of unjustified reports, and significant occurrences of failure to report deserving cases. Research needs to be done to thoroughly assess the impact of the different laws on reporting practice, and to assess teacher preparation and reporting practice throughout Australia.