Vic move on priests 'could go national'

Victoria's move to require priests to gain accreditation to work with children should be considered nationally, Premier Denis Napthine says.

Dr Napthine said Victoria was taking a leadership role in addressing the issue, and it could set the tone of a national response.

"I believe that other states and jurisdictions will look at what we're doing to require ministers of religion to have a working with children check if they have any dealings with children and families," Dr Napthine told reporters on Thursday.

"I think other states and other jurisdictions should have a good hard look at it."

A minister with children in their congregation, or who otherwise comes into contact with children as part of their duties as a minister, will be required to obtain the check.

The Victorian government will introduce the requirement as part of its response to the state's parliamentary inquiry into the handling of child abuse by religious and other organisations.

The parliamentary committee's report said ministers of religion need to have current working with children checks.

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is underway nationally.