Opposition calls for investigation into whether former Labor staffer had Working with Children Check, visited schools

The Opposition has called for an investigation into whether a former Labor staffer, convicted of child abuse offences, had a Working with Children Check.

The Opposition has called for an investigation into whether a former Labor staffer, convicted of child abuse offences, had a Working with Children Check and if he accompanied MP Nat Cook on school and childcare visits.

Liberal government accountability spokeswoman Michelle Lensink said she has been made aware of the “concerning claims” relating to Ben Waters, who was a senior adviser to Ms Cook before he was arrested in March 2021.

Ms Lensink said Human Services Minister Ms Cook had “serious questions to answer” and called for an immediate probe to clarify whether Waters held a Working with Children Check or accompanied Ms Cook on school site visits.

“We know Nat Cook visited hundreds of schools and places where young children were present while Ben Waters worked hand in glove as her trusted senior adviser,” she said.

Ben Waters. Picture: Facebook

“We need guarantees from Nat Cook that Ben Waters never visited a single school, pe-school or childcare centre during his employment with Nat Cook.”

A spokeswoman for Ms Cook did not directly say whether Waters held a Working with Children Check, but said “relevant employment requirements were complied with”.

“Office records do not indicate that Mr Waters visited schools or children’s facilities while assisting the member of parliament.

“With regards to calls for an investigation, Mr Waters has already been investigated, prosecuted and convicted,” she said.

The spokeswoman said Ms Lensink and the Liberals were “indulging in cheap, gutter politics”.

“The Minister was as horrified as anybody when the allegations were raised about Mr Waters, not least because she is the parent of a young child,” she said.

Waters was handed a home detention sentence for possession of more than 600 child abuse images and videos on two USBs.