There’s a moment many Australians reach where they want a little more certainty about someone. Perhaps you’re bringing on a new contractor, renting out a property to a prospective tenant, or simply navigating a new personal relationship. Whatever the reason, a criminal history check can give you factual information that helps you make a more informed decision.
Despite how important this information is, there tends to be a lot of confusion about what these checks actually contain. Here’s a straightforward breakdown.
What does a criminal history check include?
A criminal history check in Australia returns information from police records relating to a person’s disclosable court outcomes. This typically includes convictions, findings of guilt, and in some cases charges that resulted in a bond or good behaviour order. The exact information returned can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the purpose of the check.
It’s important to understand that not every interaction with the justice system appears on a standard check. Spent convictions, for example, are generally excluded after a certain period of time under relevant state and territory legislation. Matters that did not result in a conviction may also be withheld.
When would you run one?
Criminal history checks are most commonly used by:
• Employers screening candidates for roles involving vulnerable people, finances, or positions of trust
• Landlords assessing prospective tenants
• Individuals wanting to verify information about someone they’re entering a personal or professional relationship with
• Businesses conducting due diligence on contractors or partners
In many industries, particularly aged care, childcare, and education, certain checks are legally required before employment can begin.
How long does it take?
Through InfoTrackGO, you can order a criminal history check online in minutes. Results are typically returned quickly, and you don’t need an account or subscription to get started. The process is straightforward: enter the relevant details, verify the subject’s identity, and receive the report.
A note on consent
Running a criminal history check on another person without their knowledge and consent is something you should approach carefully. In most employment and tenancy contexts, the subject is required to consent to the check as part of the application process. If you’re unsure about the rules in your specific situation, it’s worth reviewing the relevant guidelines for your state or territory.
Get started
Whether you’re a business, a landlord, or an individual doing your due diligence, InfoTrackGO makes criminal history checks fast, simple, and accessible. No account needed, no complicated process. Just the information you need, when you need it.
Run a criminal history check today here.
The content provided in this blog is intended solely for general information and awareness around our product offerings. It does not constitute personalised advice for any specific individual or organisation and should not be solely relied upon. All information within this blog post is generalised and does not consider the unique situations, circumstances, or requirements of any individual or organisation. Always seek professional advice and consider the suitability of the information to your specific goals and needs before taking any action based on the information presented.
