Background checks in Australia

What are the benefits of background checks in Australia?

An employment background check Australia-based companies need to perform within their hiring processes is the same for those located abroad. Aside from regulatory compliance, conducting background checks on potential employees helps ensure the safety and security of your organization. It also provides a number of other benefits, including:

• Verifying that the candidate is who they say they are: This includes confirming their identity, address, and employment history to ensure accuracy.
• Ensuring candidates have all necessary qualifications or experience for the role: Background checks can help employers to determine if applicants possess relevant work experience and/or education required for a position.
• Protecting employers from any potential legal liabilities associated with hiring unqualified personnel: By ensuring that new hires meet all applicable requirements, background checks can help protect businesses from potential claims or lawsuits due to negligence in selecting employees.
• Providing peace of mind when making decisions about new hires: Knowing that you have taken steps to verify each applicant’s credentials helps provide assurance when it comes time to make a decision on which candidate should be hired.

Remember that some background checks may also apply when relocating current employees. The specific background checks in Australia are discussed in detail below.

What are the types of background checks in Australia?

Background checks in Australia can range from criminal record checks to credit history checks to even social media checks:

Criminal record check in Australia

When it comes to a criminal record check, Australia-based candidates may undergo two specific ones: a national criminal history check and an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check. There are some technical differences between the two. A national criminal history check examines an individual's criminal convictions under state laws by looking at state police records. These reports contain details of disclosable court outcomes such as traffic convictions, Children’s Court convictions, and good behavior bonds.

On the other hand, an AFP check looks at commonwealth police records for conviction under federal regulations. This type of background check is typically required for immigration purposes, public sector employment, or when applying for overseas travel visas.

Employment history check

In terms of an employment history check, Australia doesn’t require a strictly-structured process. It’s more or less the same as anywhere else in the world. Employment history checks help employers verify a candidate's work experience and qualifications and ensure that they are accurately represented on their application. This can be done through various methods such as identity or document verification of primary ID sources like passports and licenses.  Additionally, qualification checks may validate educational degrees or any other certificates required for the job, as well as checking past work experience by asking candidates about previous employers and what tasks were accomplished there. All these steps will help an employer make sure that they are recruiting the best-suited individual for the position available.

Medical screening

In Australia, applicants cannot be required to undergo a medical screening as part of their recruitment process. However, employers in Queensland have an exception. They may ask applicants if they have any injuries or pre-existing conditions that could be aggravated by tasks related to the role for which the candidate is applying.

Once an individual is hired, employers may request certain types of medical examinations. This includes occupational and medical history assessments, basic musculoskeletal assessments, or body mass index measurements. Additionally, these exams can also include visual acuity tests and urinalysis screenings for drugs and alcohol use depending on the demands of specific job tasks. It is important that any request from an employer for a health assessment must still be reasonable within the circumstances.

Credit history check

Credit report checks are designed to identify an applicant's credit history and make sure they have no unpaid debts. These types of checks can be especially important when hiring for roles that involve managing finances – such as accounting, banking, and loan processing positions – so employers must gain consent from applicants prior to conducting this type of check. It is important for employers hiring in Australia to understand their obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 when seeking access to personal information relating to job applicants' financial background.

Education history

Education history checks help ensure that your employees have the qualifications and specialized skills needed for the job. These checks verify certificates, licenses, and degrees specified on an employee's application. They also confirm if a person has achieved their stated educational goals at a recognized institution or course. Academic achievement checks are also used to ensure that any qualifications listed by an applicant are legitimate and were completed satisfactorily as per required standards of quality assurance within the industry they operate in. By conducting these background checks, employers can be confident that they have hired individuals with the right expertise and credentials for their roles within their organizations.

Social media and working with children check

Social media checks are an effective tool for employers when hiring in Australia. These searches look for any potential red flags on the social media accounts of candidates before sending a job offer. It is important to note, however, that asking applicants or employees to provide access to their private accounts is not recommended as it may breach Australian privacy laws and lead to financial or legal repercussions.

Meanwhile, according to the Child Protection Act 2012, an employer must conduct a separate working with children check (WWCC) on any potential employee who will be working or volunteering with children. The WWCC, which began in New South Wales and has since been adopted throughout Australia, is administered by individual states and territories. It is used in addition to any police checks employers may need as part of their background screening.

The Working With Children clearance involves both a national police check and a review of findings from workplace misconduct and is valid for five years upon completion. Employers are also advised by government agencies that social media can play an important role in verifying application integrity before employment begins. This includes monitoring posts related to inappropriate behavior or activities that could harm minors – even if these do not appear directly related at first glance.

Requirements for background check in Australia

When hiring in Australia, employers must conduct all of the background checks below for all potential employees:

• A criminal history check
• A national security assessment by the Australian Security Intelligence Organization
• A ‘right to work in Australia’ check (for visa holders) conducted via the Department of Home Affairs Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system

Those who receive an adverse security assessment (ASA) or qualified security assessment (QSA), or are assessed as having committed Tier 1 security-relevant offenses will be disqualified from holding any card/accreditation related to their job role.

If you’re wondering if there is a free background check, Australia-specific criminal history checks and security assessments require payment!

Steps in conducting background checks in Australia

When it comes to background screening, Australia doesn’t require strict processes as long as the required checks are performed. A general list of the steps to conducting background checks in Australia is as follows:

1. Ensure that applicants are aware of the background check process and provide them with information about any third parties who will be involved in collecting their personal data.
2. Only collect necessary, relevant information for the application process. Do not ask questions regarding protected characteristics such as gender, age, or disabilities.
3. Obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting sensitive data such as union membership, political opinions, or religious beliefs.
4. Allow applicants access to view all collected personal information if they request it.

For additional information on international background checks, you can read more in our guide.

Are employee background checks legal in Australia?

Long story short: Conducting pre-employment screenings is permissible. However, keep in mind that using the results of these checks to discriminate against job applicants is prohibited by law.

Regulations concerning discrimination need to feature prominently in your global hiring and onboarding strategy.

Planning to hire in Australia? Here’s how Skuad can help

Background checks in Australia are made quick, easy, and convenient with Skuad as your Employer of Record Platform. 

When it comes to employment screening, Australia requires a few criminal history checks, stringently protects private information, and prevents discrimination of any sort. 

That may seem easy to work with, but if you’re hiring internationally, all these compliance concerns snowball in complexity for an overburdened in-house team.

Background checks are conducted only when you partner with Skuad for EOR, so you can easily hire, onboard, pay, and manage your distributed team in Australia.

Get in touch to learn how Skuad can help you hire remote teams in Australia.

FAQs

How do I find out if someone has a criminal record in Australia?

To find out if someone has a criminal record in Australia, you can apply for a National Police Check through the Australian Federal Police (AFP) or through an accredited provider. The AFP provides a range of services for individuals and organizations to obtain criminal history information, including National Police Checks, which are commonly used for employment or licensing purposes.

How does HR verify past employment Australia?

HR departments in Australia typically verify past employment by contacting the candidate's previous employers directly and requesting information on the candidate's job title, dates of employment, salary, the reason for leaving, and any other relevant information. This may involve contacting the employer by phone or email or submitting a written request.

Can I move to Australia from the USA with a criminal record?

Yes, it is possible to move to Australia from the USA with a criminal record, but the immigration process may be more difficult and complex. If you have a criminal record and are considering moving to Australia, it is advisable to seek the advice of an immigration lawyer who can assist you with the visa application process and advise you on your eligibility for different visa options.