The NSW Carers Register is being rebuilt to improve how information is shared across the OOHC sector.
About the Carers Register rebuild
Over the past 10 years, the OCG has received feedback from the sector about how the Carers Register could better support day-to-day business processes. Since the Residential Care Worker Register was introduced, the sector has also shared positive feedback about how it works, and the OCG is using this feedback to improve the Carers Register as part of the rebuild.
The updated Carers Register will have a completely new look and feel. It will serve the same purpose, but it will be easier to use, with better navigation, improved features, clearer workflows, and stronger reporting tools.
It will have an agency dashboard that will include agency details, single sign in, key statistics, business intelligence (BI) reports, and functional navigation.
What's changing
- Improved functionality, agency dashboard, key statistics and reports.
- Link between the Carers Register and the Working with Children Check (WWCC) system.
- Link between the Carers Register and the RCWR.
- Built in Head of Relevant Entity (HRE) approval to progress Carers Register reportable allegation notifications.
- Automatic flags against reportable conduct matters to support information sharing.
- Requirement to record decisions against adult household members.
What this means for agencies
Designated agencies will need to:
- enter complete and accurate information
- follow updated processes for managing records
- use new tools to support decision-making.
The link between the WWCC system and the Carers Register will let agencies verify a carer applicant, authorised carer or adult household member in real time. When they do this, the person’s WWCC status and expiry date will automatically appear in the Carers Register. This means that anyone applying to be a carer, as well as their adult household members, must have a valid WWCC number (either an application or a clearance) before they can start the application process.
The link with the Residential Care Worker Register will improve information sharing. It will give agencies a clearer view of a person’s work history, connections, and any concerns recorded across both registers. If a match is found in the Residential Care Worker Register, agencies must complete an ‘Other Register Check’ for the carer applicant or adult household member.
The OCG is already contacting agencies if they need to fix or update information on the current Carers Register. It is important that agencies respond and complete these updates to help ensure a smooth move to the new system.
Timeline
The rebuild will be delivered in stages across 2026. Updates will be provided as milestones are confirmed.
Support
We will provide guidance materials, training and ongoing support to help agencies prepare.
For any questions, you can contact carers-register@ocg.nsw.gov.au
