Mandatory reporting

Mandatory reporting refers to your legal obligation to report instances of suspected abuse or neglect. Reporting requirements vary between the states and territories, but in most cases any suspicion that a person is endangered requires the worker to report their concerns to appropriate authorities. You must first check whether your occupational role includes mandatory reporting. This varies across occupations and from one state to another.

In many workplaces, mandatory reporting requirements are extended and set out in the workplace’s reporting policies and procedures. While reporting suspected abuse or neglect of older people and people with support needs may not be legally binding, your workplace will have best-practice reporting procedures that you are expected to follow. As these procedures vary, it is important to know your workplace’s definition of abuse and neglect and its procedure for reporting (for example, whom to report to and when). If in doubt, speak to your supervisor immediately.

You can read more about mandatory reporting here.