In every Australian state and territory, doctors are mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect.
- If you form a reasonable belief or suspicion that a child is at risk of significant harm, you must report to the state child protection agency.
- You do not need proof, and you do not need to investigate. Reports made in good faith are legally protected.
- Failing to report can be an offence.
- You can, and sometimes should, report without telling the parents first if this might put the child at further risk.
What counts (physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect, exposure to family violence) and thresholds vary slightly between states. NSW, for example, uses an online Mandatory Reporter Guide to decide.
Document carefully: exact words used, injuries (with body maps or photos), who was present.
In an AMC station, the correct answer to "I think this child is being abused" is almost never "talk to the family and review in a week". It is ensure safety, report, and involve the paediatric or child protection team.