Updated Member Compliance Requirements

Introduction

During a recent review of our membership requirements, we recognised that some compliance checks were not explicitly included and these will now be formally adopted.

 

Changes to Membership Compliance Requirements

The following items have been identified:

1. Working with Children and Vulnerable People:
   While implied in the Code of Conduct, members have not been required to demonstrate their compliance.
   If you are working with children (see article below), please upload a copy of your registration check/card to your member profile (Documents tab).
2. Code of Conduct:
   • This is being reworded to ensure it is aligned with current standards. The new version will be shared soon.
   • It will also include a requirement that our members do not “claim to cure” or make unsubstantiated claims.
   • There will be some additional requirements placed on health fund providers around claiming, etc.
   • The new version will be shared soon.
3. Disclosure:
   New members will be asked to disclose any criminal record or disciplinary proceedings/complaints relevant to their Pilates practice or business.

We will be providing additional information on these items as needed. Further details about the Working with Children and Vulnerable People Checks are included below.

1. Working With Children Checks (WWCC)

A WWCC is required in all states and territories where a practitioner undertakes paid or unpaid child-related work. Therefore, many Pilates Association Australia (PAA) members are required to hold a Working With Children Check (WWCC) (or equivalent) as part of their professional practice.

Working With Children can include:

• Teaching Pilates to children or adolescents
• Working in studios that offer children’s or teen classes
• Delivering programs in schools, community centres or sports organisations
• Working in environments where children are regular participants, even if they are not the primary client group

Importantly, Pilates instructors do not need to work exclusively with children for WWCC requirements to apply. Group classes, shared studio environments and contractor arrangements may still trigger obligations.

2. TAS, ACT and NT – Additional Vulnerable People Requirements:

In Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory, background-checking frameworks cover both working with children and vulnerable adults. This includes:

• People with disability
• Older adults
• Individuals receiving NDIS-funded services
• People with chronic illness, injury or support needs

3. Member responsibility and professionalism

Legal requirements vary depending on jurisdiction, setting and client group. Members practising across multiple states or service contexts may need to hold more than one check.

Holding the appropriate checks:

• Protects clients and communities
• Supports ethical and professional practice
• Builds trust with families, referrers and employers
• Helps safeguard insurance coverage

4. PAA expectations

The PAA expects members to:

• Understand and comply with relevant legal requirements
• Maintain current checks and monitor renewal dates
• Be transparent with studios, employers and clients

Meeting these obligations supports the PAA Code of Conduct and helps ensure Pilates remains a safe, trusted and professionally respected discipline across Australia.

5. Record Keeping

Whilst members are required to comply with the relevant regulatory requirements, we have not kept this information on file.

If you work with children and/or vulnerable people, you must upload a copy of your registration check/card to your member profile (Documents tab).

State and Territory Summary (Including Cost and Validity)

This table provides general guidance only. Members are responsible for confirming their specific obligations with the relevant state or territory authority. Fees and validity periods are set by state and territory governments and may change. Costs below are indicative for paid work at the time of writing.

State/Territory	Child-related	Vulnerable People	Approx. Cost (Paid Work)	Validity	Notes
NSW	Working With Children Check (WWCC)	—	~$110	5 years	Required for paid or unpaid child-related work, including studio and contractor roles.
VIC	Working With Children Check (WWCC)	—	~$135	5 years	Often required by studios and schools even where exemptions may exist.
QLD	Blue Card	—	$0	2 years	Applies to paid and volunteer child-related work; renewal required more frequently than other states.
WA	Working With Children Check (WWCC)	—	~$90	5 years	Required where work falls within prescribed child-related categories.
SA	Working With Children Check (WWCC)	—	~$140	5 years	Frequently required by councils, studios and education providers.
TAS	—	Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP)	~$135	5 years	Covers children and vulnerable adults, including disability and aged-care contexts.
ACT	—	Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP)	~$155	5 years	Covers children and vulnerable adults; commonly required for NDIS services.
NT	Ochre Card	Covers children and vulnerable adults	~$85	5 years	Required for a wide range of community, health and wellbeing roles.