What Industries Require Police Checks?

Many Australian industries require a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) before you can start work, volunteer, or hold a licence. Below are the sectors where a police check is most commonly requested — though requirements vary by role, employer, and licensing body.

• Healthcare and Aged Care

  Hospitals, medical centres, and aged care facilities require police checks for staff, contractors, and volunteers in contact with patients or residents.

• NDIS and Disability Support

  NDIS-funded support roles require an NDIS Worker Screening Check, often alongside a national police check for close, unsupervised participant contact.

• Education and Childcare

  Staff and volunteers working with children must hold a Working With Children Check, frequently supplemented by a police check.

• Security Industry

  Crowd controllers, security guards, and private investigators need a valid security licence, which requires a police check as part of the application.

• Transport, Aviation and Maritime

  Roles needing an ASIC or MSIC card — airport, airline, and port workers — require a national police check, as do many logistics roles.

• Government and Public Sector

  Many Commonwealth, state, and local government roles require a police check, especially positions handling sensitive information or requiring a security clearance.

• Finance and Professional Services

  Financial advisers, mortgage brokers, real estate agents, and legal professionals may need a police check as part of a fit and proper person assessment.

• Hospitality and Liquor Licensing

  Applying for a liquor licence, approved manager status, or responsible service roles often requires a current police check as part of the application.

• Taxi, Rideshare and Delivery Driving

  Taxi, rideshare, and point-to-point drivers must pass a criminal history check to obtain and maintain driver accreditation. Many delivery platforms require one too.

• Volunteering and Not-for-Profit

  Charities and not-for-profits commonly require volunteers to hold a current police check, particularly for roles involving vulnerable people.