In Australia, a National Police Check—formally known as a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC)—is an official record that outlines a person’s criminal background. It includes disclosable court outcomes and pending charges obtained from police databases across every state and territory in the country. These checks are frequently required for purposes such as employment, volunteering, licensing, and immigration.

Key Aspects of a Police Check:

The check gathers criminal history data from all Australian jurisdictions, providing a nationwide summary. It contains information about court outcomes, including convictions, court appearances, findings of guilt, and other legal decisions made by the courts. It may also list any pending legal charges awaiting court proceedings.

Police checks are mainly used to determine a person’s suitability for roles that involve working with vulnerable populations or positions of trust and responsibility,—such as roles in healthcare, education, or childcare.

They are commonly required for:

• Job applications

• Volunteering roles

• Working with children

• Certain professional registrations or licences

• Visa or citizenship applications
  

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) manages the National Police Checking Service, which coordinates and facilitates the entire process. Accredited organisations can lodge multiple police check requests, especially when hiring large numbers of staff or for compliance purposes. Although the ACIC strives for fast turnaround times, the actual processing duration can vary depending on the complexity of the case or factors like common names or older records.

Police checks do not have an official expiry date, but most organisations expect them to be no older than 12 months. Depending on the purpose and relevant state or territory laws, checks may also include spent convictions (older convictions that are no longer considered active). The results of a police check are kept confidential and shared only with the organisation that requested it.

How to Apply?

Applications can be made through state or territory police agencies, accredited private providers (such as CVCheck), or government platforms like Service NSW. In New South Wales, individuals can apply via Service NSW or directly through the NSW Police Force website.

About Post Author

Brian Walker

B.Acc., GradDipLegPrac, Juris Dr
Barrister & Accountant.
Former Criminal Defence Solicitor. Former Federal Prosecutor for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions prosecuting Commonwealth crimes relating to drugs and child exploitation. Former Australian Federal Police member litigating proceeds of crime matters. Former Australian Taxation Office employee investigating offshore tax evasion matters.

Post Created by Jesslyn Duong-Yuan, paralegal.

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