CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

This Child Protection Policy is primarily intended to outline what is the expected conduct from Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group (MRSG) members, including members of the Committee, with regards to children.

The Child Protection Policy should be read alongside our Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct requires that we: treat each other respectfully, fairly and with dignity; do not bully or harass, or tolerate others’ bullying and harassment; do not harass or discriminate including on the grounds of age; do not engage in conduct prejudicial to MRSG; and act in ways consistent with the purpose of the MRSG The Code of Conduct applies to our treatment of, relationships with, both adults and children. A child is anyone under 18 years of age.

MRSG has zero tolerance for any abuse or inappropriate behaviour of or towards children. MRSG members, including Committee members, whose role with MRSG brings them into unsupervised, one on one contact with children who are not their own, are required to obtain a Working With Children Check.

Any person with prior convictions relating to the abuse of children, violence against children or similar offences is prohibited from working or volunteering with MRSG. MRSG members, including Committee members, will not arrange contact, including online contact, with children they have met through MRSG’s programs and activities outside of MRSG’s programs and activities without the consent of that child’s parent(s) or guardian(s).

Photographs or video of a child will only be taken with the consent of the child and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s). Any abuse of children reported to the Committee by a victim, employee, volunteer or member of MRSG will be immediately reported to the police. Disciplinary action may be taken against members who engage in conduct prejudicial to MRSG in accordance with Division 2 of the Constitution of the MRSG.