Do Spent Convictions Appear on Police Checks in Australia?
Learn if spent convictions show up on police checks in Australia, including key exceptions for sensitive positions.
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In Australia, spent convictions generally do not show up on a police check, but there are exceptions. A spent conviction is typically removed after 10 years (or 5 years for juvenile offenses) provided no further crimes are committed. Exceptions can include checks for certain sensitive positions, such as those involving children or national security. It’s essential to be aware of these nuances to understand the full implications for your situation.
FAQs & Answers
- What is a spent conviction? A spent conviction is a criminal record that is no longer disclosed after a certain period, generally 10 years in Australia, provided no new offenses are committed.
- Which jobs require full police checks? Certain sensitive positions, such as those working with children or in national security, typically require full police checks, including spent convictions.
- Can I get my spent conviction unspent? In rare cases, a spent conviction can become unspent if new offenses occur, which may result in it appearing on police checks once again.
- How long after a conviction does it become spent in Australia? In Australia, a conviction generally becomes spent after 10 years for adults and 5 years for juvenile offenses, given no further crimes are committed.