Don't delay in contacting the Union

The Union represents its financial members industrially and professionally upon notification by the member that they are the subject of any of the following:

a child protection allegation which requires an investigation by their employer

a risk assessment by the Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) as a result of a relevant record being identified during Working With Children Check (WWCC) processes

a proposed decision by the OCG to not grant the member a WWCC clearance, or

the placement of an interim bar or a final bar by the OCG (which prevents the member from working with children for a period of five years).

Additionally, the Union offers support (subject to conditions) to financial members who seek advice and representation in relation to work related criminal charges, through referral to the Union’s solicitor or another qualified solicitor that offer legal services appropriate for your needs.

We urge members to ‘not delay’ in seeking advice and support from the Union upon initial notification of such matters. Where possible, make no response to the allegations made against you and inform the relevant person, “I am willing to cooperate but at this stage I am unable to make any comment until I contact my Union”.

Immediate contact should then be made with your Union organiser or Russell Schokman, IEU Policy Advisor on (02) 8202 8900 or the toll free number (for country members) 1800 467 943.

We remind members that any information disclosed to the Union that relates to their matter, is treated as strictly confidential. Further, the Union does not take any action relating to a member matter, without prior consultation and approval from the member.

NOTE: The IEU non member policy is that “No assistance will be given to non members. No assistance will be given to new members on serious matters relating to their employment which arose prior to joining”.

Russell Schokman
Policy Advisor