The Victorian government is launching an immediate review of childcare safety following serious allegations of sexual assault involving a childcare worker. Premier Jacinta Allan announced plans to develop a state-specific register for childcare workers to enhance safety checks for families while waiting for a national system to be implemented.
To further bolster safety, all Victorian childcare centres must prohibit personal devices by September 26, with non-compliant centres facing fines of up to $50,000. In addition, a short review will be conducted to evaluate immediate safety measures, including the possibility of installing CCTV cameras in childcare facilities.
Allan confirmed that the review would also assess existing frameworks at the national level to expedite necessary safety measures. The findings are expected to be reported back to the government by Friday, August 15, with a commitment to adopt and implement all recommendations swiftly.
Recognising the distress caused by these allegations, the government will support affected families with a $5,000 Immediate Needs Payment to help cover costs associated with medical checks, time off work, and alternative childcare arrangements. Allan emphasised the significance of providing practical help during such challenging times.
The worker in question, Brown, remains in police custody and is scheduled to appear in court on September 15. The accusations involve eight alleged victims from the Creative Gardens Early Learning Centre in Point Cook, dating between April 2022 and January 2023.
Support for those affected is available through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).