Compliance Checklist
Membership confirms your business meets ELPA's minimum standards. If you answer No to any question, tell us what steps you're taking.
My business holds a current and active Australian Business Number (ABN)
An active ABN is required by Australian law for all businesses providing commercial services. Childcare centres record supplier ABNs for their own compliance obligations under the National Quality Framework (NQF) and for tax purposes.
My business maintains Public Liability Insurance at a minimum of AUD $10 million
A minimum of $10 million PLI is required by ELPA and is consistent with the entry requirements of most major childcare providers (including G8 Education, Goodstart Early Learning, and others). This protects you, the centre, and families in the event of property damage, injury, or an incident during a photo day.
All photographers and staff representing my business hold a current child safety screening certificate as required in their state or territory (WWCC, Blue Card, Ochre Card, WWVP, etc.)
A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is a legal requirement under state and territory law for anyone working or volunteering with children in a professional capacity. ACECQA and the NQF require centres to verify that all visitors working with children are appropriately checked before entry.
My business uses professional or company-issued equipment — not personal phones or personal devices — for photography in childcare/ECEC environments
ACECQA's National Model Code for Taking Images in ECEC settings requires professional and secure handling of children's images. Personal phones risk accidental exposure through personal photo libraries, iCloud/Google Photos backups, or social media uploads. The ELPA Framework mandates professional or company-issued devices to ensure image security and accountability.
My business obtains informed written consent from parents/guardians before any photography
Under the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and ACECQA's National Model Code, centres must have documented consent before children are photographed for commercial purposes. You must obtain and record this consent prior to any photography session. This protects families' rights and limits your legal liability.
My business obtains explicit consent for group and collage-style photographs, with clear opt-out options provided to families
Group and collage-style photos present additional complexity — a single image may contain children whose parents have not consented. ACECQA's National Model Code specifically addresses group photography consent, requiring explicit opt-in and clear opt-out mechanisms for each child. The ELPA Framework requires this as a separate, distinct consent item.
My business complies with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) in the collection, storage and handling of children's images and personal data
The Australian Privacy Act 1988 and its 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) apply to any business handling personal information, including images of children. Non-compliance can result in regulatory action by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). ELPA membership requires demonstrated compliance with these principles.
My business uses secure, individually password-protected image delivery for each family
Under the APPs, children's images are sensitive personal information and must be delivered securely to authorised recipients only. The ELPA Framework requires individually password-protected galleries per family to prevent unauthorised access. This also protects your business from data breach liability and gives families confidence in your professionalism.
My business promptly actions parent or guardian requests for image deletion and provides written confirmation once complete
Under APP 13 and ACECQA's National Model Code, parents and guardians have the right to request deletion of their child's images at any time. Businesses must respond promptly and provide written confirmation once deletion is complete. Failure to honour deletion requests can constitute a breach of the Privacy Act 1988.
My business maintains a documented image handling workflow covering capture, storage, editing, delivery and deletion processes
A documented image handling workflow is required under the ELPA Framework to demonstrate transparency and accountability at every stage — from capture through editing, storage, delivery and deletion. This documentation satisfies centre compliance requirements, protects your business during audits, and shows regulators that your practices are systematic and verifiable.
All third-party providers that handle children's images are disclosed and meet Australian data security standards
Under APP 8 (Cross-border Disclosure of Personal Information), if you transfer children's images or personal data to a third party — such as an editing studio, print lab, or cloud storage provider — you must ensure they meet Australian privacy standards. Undisclosed or unvetted third-party sharing can constitute a serious privacy breach under the Privacy Act 1988.
My business follows all centre-specific child safety and cultural protocols as directed by the ECEC service
Under the National Quality Framework (NQF), childcare centres hold a legal duty of care over all children on their premises, including during photography sessions. You must follow all centre-specific child safety, cultural sensitivity, and check-in protocols as directed by educators and centre directors. Non-compliance may result in removal from the centre and review of your ELPA membership.
I agree to comply with the ELPA Child Safe Photography Framework and Code of Conduct — View Framework ↗
The ELPA Child Safe Photography Framework sets the minimum industry standards for safe, ethical, and legally compliant early learning photography in Australia. It is aligned with ACECQA's National Model Code, the Australian Privacy Principles, and the National Quality Framework. Agreeing to comply means committing to the standards ELPA was established to uphold.
I have not had photography licences revoked or been subject to regulatory action relating to child safety
ELPA membership is conditional on professional standing. Any history of revoked licences, regulatory action, or child safety violations may indicate ongoing risk. Disclosure of prior issues is not automatically disqualifying — ELPA assesses on a case-by-case basis — but deliberate non-disclosure of known issues is grounds for immediate membership revocation.
All information in this application is accurate and truthful
Providing false or misleading information in a membership application is a breach of the ELPA Code of Conduct and may constitute fraud. All applicants must complete a Commonwealth Statutory Declaration (Step 4) confirming the truthfulness of this application. ELPA reserves the right to verify any information and revoke membership where inaccuracies are found.
Member Declaration
I, [your name from Step 1], sincerely declare:
Please read and confirm each item below. All declarations must be ticked before you can proceed to payment.
Commonwealth Statutory Declaration
ELPA requires a completed Commonwealth Statutory Declaration as part of your application. This is a legal document confirming the accuracy of your submission.
2Copy and paste the following text into the declaration form:
I declare that:
• All information provided is true, accurate and complete.
• I understand that ELPA endorsement is conditional upon ongoing compliance with the ELPA Framework.
• I agree to notify ELPA immediately of any change that may affect my compliance.
• I acknowledge that ELPA may request supporting documentation at any time.
• I understand that false or misleading declarations may result in termination of membership and removal of ELPA endorsement status.
3Upload your completed and signed Statutory Declaration below (PDF, JPG or PNG):
⚠ Please tick all items above and upload your Statutory Declaration before continuing.
