⚠️ Pending NDIS Worker Checks — why are workers still allowed to start?

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Why are workers still allowed to start in some states but not others?

One thing we regularly hear from providers and families is how surprised (and concerned) they are when they discover this:

A support worker with a “Pending” NDIS Worker Screening Check can still legally start work in some states — before they’ve actually been cleared.

This isn’t a one-off or a loophole.
It’s built into the current legislation.

Here’s how it works ⬇️

Status	✅ Can work in	❌ Cannot work in
Pending (application submitted, still being processed)	NSW, ACT, WA, NT & TAS	VIC, QLD & SA
Cleared (full NDIS Worker Screening clearance issued)	All States & Territories	–

In other words – the same individual can be ineligible to work in VIC, QLD or SA, but still legally provide support in NSW or WA, even though they have not yet been cleared.

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Why This Matters

At Worker Checks, we believe the NDIS Worker Screening Process is absolutely critical – it’s there to protect the most vulnerable people in our community.

But if we allow people to start working before that screening process is complete, are we really putting safety first?

We don’t think so.

Here’s a real example from our support worker database (screenshot below).
Two staff are still in Pending status… but marked “Eligible to work” because they haven’t yet received a result – and because they happen to be working in a jurisdiction that allows pending workers to start.

💬 Does that feel right to you?

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What We’re Doing About It

All Worker Checks Support Worker Plans already require a full clearance before a worker can commence any shifts – regardless of which state they’re working in.

✅ This goes above the minimum regulatory requirement
✅ Provides added assurance & transparency for participants and families
✅ Helps reduce risk for Providers

We strongly believe that safeguarding shouldn’t be state-dependent.

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Let’s Have the Conversation

We’d love to hear what the community thinks.

Should Pending workers be allowed to start, or should clearance be mandatory before anyone puts on the uniform?

👇 Comment below or send us your thoughts – this is an important conversation for the sector.