1000 Police Clearance Forms a Day and a System that Can 't Cope with Child-protection Laws

"Mandatory background checks for volunteers and job seekers have surged 66% and delayed security clearances for months, as the system struggles to cope with stronger child-protection laws. The State Government 's screening unit is dealing with up to 1000 applications a day, resulting in delays that are putting people off volunteering for school and sports events and jobs that may include dealing with children or the elderly. Background checks are required as a result of recommendations by the Debelle royal commission into school sex-abuse cases. The Government said an extra $1.3 million will be spent on the screening unit to deal with the ""dramatic increase ' ' in applications."