Make a report
The information below can help you report child safety concerns, including child sexual abuse. You can report child sexual abuse no matter how long ago it occurred.
Information relating to child safety and protection may bring up strong feelings. Remember, you are not alone. If you need assistance or support, our Get support page provides a list of dedicated services.
Make a report
The National Office for Child Safety (the National Office) provides national leadership to develop and deliver national policies and strategies to increase children's safety and prevent harm to them, with a particular focus on child sexual abuse.
The National Office does not investigate criminal matters, deliver child protection services or provide direct support services. However, help is available - contact details for police, state and territory child protection agencies are listed below.
Non-English speakers can access these services through the Translating and Interpreting Services (TIS) by calling 131 450. TIS is available 24/7.
If you are deaf and/or find it hard hearing or speaking with people who use a phone, the National Relay Service (NRS) can help you. The NRS is available 24/7.
Report to child protection agencies
Protecting Australia’s children is everybody’s business. If you suspect a child or young person is at risk of harm, abuse or neglect you can contact your relevant state or territory child protection agency.
State and territory contact details
Australian Capital Territory
- Phone: 1300 556 729
- How to make a report: Provide Information about Child Abuse and Neglect - Community Services
New South Wales
- Phone: 132 111
- How to make a report: Reporting a Child at Risk
Northern Territory
- Phone: 1800 700 250
- How to make a report: Report Child Abuse
Queensland
- Phone: Regional Intake Services, after hours: 1800 177 135
- How to make a report: Reporting Child Abuse
South Australia
- Phone: 131 478
- How to make a report: Reporting Child Abuse
Tasmania
- Phone: 1800 000 123
- How to make a report: Child Protection Notification Form
Victoria
- Phone: Child Protection Contact, after hours: 13 12 78
- How to make a report: Reporting Child Abuse
Western Australia
- Phone: 1800 273 889
- How to make a report: Reporting Your Concern
Reporting obligations
In Australia, some people are required by law to report known or suspected current child abuse and neglect to government authorities. Each state and territory has its own laws about who must report and under which circumstances.
In some jurisdictions, there are ‘failure to report’ laws specifically related to child sexual abuse. These laws generally make it a criminal offence for an adult to fail to report known or reasonably suspected child sexual abuse. Depending on the legislation, this obligation may apply to the general public or be limited to adults in particular roles.
States and territories also have mandatory reporting laws for people in certain professions. These mandatory reporters are usually individuals who work with children, such as teachers, doctors, nurses or police officers. Mandatory reporting laws were introduced to make it a formal professional responsibility to protect children from abuse. The Australian Institute of Family Studies has a useful resource about mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect. Please note this is a guide only and laws may have changed since its publication.
It’s important to be aware of these obligations, particularly if you know or suspect child sexual abuse is occurring, as some state and territory legislation is accompanied by penalties for not reporting. For more information or to check the most up-to-date reporting laws in your jurisdiction, contact your state or territory government child protection department.