Communities and Justice

Making NSW safer for our children

Last published on 17 Dec 2020 

More training for teachers and carers, dedicated support services for children, strengthened reporting and landmark legal reforms are among new measures to protect children.

Attorney General Mark Speakman and Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward today released the NSW Government’s third annual progress report on the Government’s implemention of recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

“Keeping children and young people safe is our priority. We are boosting access to justice for survivors and we are strengthening the system to better respond to child abuse and, more importantly, prevent these horrific crimes,” Mr Speakman said.

Highlights of the report include:

  • Launching a NSW-led data sharing scheme to support child protection services across Australia access near real-time information about at-risk children.
  • Nation-leading legislative reforms to remove a significant barrier preventing child sex offenders from being held to account.
  • Better protections in NSW Youth Justice Centres including CCTV upgrades, improved rehabilitation and cultural advisers for young Aboriginal people.
  • Expanding mandatory reporter groups to include all registered psychologists and people in religious ministry, and stronger protections for those who report abuse.
  • A pilot for a wraparound service model for adult survivors with complex needs, including trauma counselling, mental health and drug and alcohol services.
  • The statewide rollout of therapeutic services targeting children and young people with harmful sexual behaviours.


“The NSW Government has adapted to the challenges of the pandemic to keep providing critical services to children and young people. We will continue working hard to strengthen oversight and accountability, and strive to improve the way government agencies and non-government organisations protect children,” Mr Ward said.

The NSW Government is making record investments to prevent child sexual abuse, ensure survivors have greater access to treatment and support and toughen our criminal justice response. The 2020 Annual Report on Progress for the NSW Government’s response to the Royal Commission can be accessed here.

Download Media Release: Making NSW safer for our children (PDF , 169.5 KB)

Last updated:

13 Apr 2023