Australian states are taking steps to assess and reform their childcare systems following disturbing allegations of sexual assaults at an early learning facility in Melbourne. Nonetheless, advocates insist the federal government must take a more active role in these necessary changes.
Currently, new national child safety regulations—including a ban on personal devices in childcare settings and stringent reporting requirements—are still in development, despite the findings of a Child Safety Review released in 2023. Implementation of these rules is still months away. Meanwhile, various states are independently working on initiatives like a national childcare registry.
Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan, has expressed her intention to forge ahead with state-specific versions of the childcare registry and device ban instead of waiting for federal action. She announced a focused review of childcare safety, committing to implement all recommendations rapidly. Similarly, the Education Minister in Western Australia, Sabine Winton, has initiated a quick assessment of the childcare sector in her state, amid rising concerns from parents regarding their children’s safety.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has proposed measures to prevent individuals from appealing denied working with children checks, a move aimed at closing loopholes that allowed sex offenders to attain these clearances through the appeal process. Queensland is also evaluating responses to historical child sexual abuse cases in the wake of a high-profile sentencing within the childcare sector.
However, industry representatives highlight a critical issue: the lack of uniformity in regulations across states and territories. This fragmented approach undermines efforts to enhance child safety. Katrina Lines, CEO of Act For Kids, expressed disappointment in the inconsistent application of recommendations from past inquiries, arguing for a nationwide strategy led by the federal government to establish minimum safety standards.
National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds warned that incidents of sexual assault in childcare settings are likely to persist unless comprehensive federal measures, including the establishment of a children’s minister and a cohesive regulatory framework, are implemented. She emphasised the need for more robust regulation and monitoring within the childcare sector alongside actionable safeguarding policies.
Lines further underlined the importance of fostering a supportive workplace culture in childcare to identify inappropriate behaviours among staff, noting that those who prey on children often manipulate their adult colleagues as well. Continuous training for staff is essential to bolster child protection, yet the sector faces challenges in recruitment and retention of qualified workers.
Education Minister Jason Clare acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that urgent and effective measures are necessary. He committed to ensuring the working with children check system is rigorous and efficient, along with ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing the safety of childcare and early education facilities.
As discussions move forward, the Coalition has indicated its support for any child safety measures presented in the upcoming parliamentary session.