Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 - SECT 35

Disclosure by health professionals and welfare practitioners

35. Disclosure by health professionals and welfare practitioners



(1) The Child Safety Commissioner or an authorised person may request a health
professional or a welfare practitioner to provide such information as the
Commissioner or authorised person reasonably requires in relation to a child
who is or whose death is the subject of an inquiry under this Division.

(2) A health professional or a welfare practitioner may disclose to the Child
Safety Commissioner or an authorised person any information in the possession
of that person that relates to a child or the death of a child that is the
subject of an inquiry under this Division.

(3) In determining whether to disclose information under this Division, a
health professional or welfare practitioner must have regard to-

   (a)  the object of this Part; and

   (b)  the public interest in ensuring that-

   (i)  child protection systems are effective; and

   (ii) the Child Safety Commissioner can conduct effective inquiries into
        child deaths and child safety.