QLD Criminal Record - Applying for Government Job?

[Sarah.b]

Hi, I'm going to apply for a job with the QLD government Department of Environment and Heritage Protection. However, I'm a little confused about answering the criminal history section.

As part of the application process applicants have to declare in writing any criminal history. Info provided:

• All applicants to roles in EHP are required to declare in writing any criminal history as part of their application process. This does not form part of the response to assessment criteria and should be contained in a separate document. Please note that possession of a criminal record will not automatically exclude an applicant, as the nature of the circumstances of any offence is taken into consideration.

Over three years ago, I pleaded guilty for unauthorised dealing with shop goods (<$150) with no conviction recorded (what a dumb decision...). I would assume I have to declare that as criminal history because the guilty plea would come up on a background check, but what is the protocol for declaring?

Do I just write it in a document with charge, date of offense, no conviction recorded or do I need to attach an official document?

 

[Sophea]

If no conviction was recorded, then no conviction will appear on your criminal record, however you have still been charged with breaking the law and you have still been convicted.

Often whether or not you need to disclose a prior offence depends on how they word the question. Generally you can say that you don't have any convictions if no conviction was recorded, however if they ask you if you have ever with charged iwth an offence or if you have been found guilty then you may have to disclose it. For some specific professions including some government jobs you need to declare everything whether its spent, no conviction recorded or whatever.

 

[Lance]

Yes, I agree that in accordance with the wording of the question they aren’t just asking for convictions, they are asking for any criminal history. So even though it probably wouldn’t appear on a criminal history check it would be best not to start new employment based on non-disclosure of information.

From what they have provided you, they require a declaration of your criminal history on separate document.

 

[Rod]

... however if they ask you if you have ever with charged with an offence ...

Is this legal? If you are not guilty of an offence, it should not be relevant to an employer.

 

[Victa]

Just be upfront and honest