UPDATE: A new federal body to protect children in Australia is being proposed amid alarming revelations from a senate inquiry into the country’s childcare system. Key testimonies from industry leaders highlight systemic failures that have endangered children, prompting urgent calls for national oversight.
Former National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds, now CEO of the Early Learning and Care Council of Australia, stated, “The regulatory framework the sector operated in was a mess.” She emphasized the need for an Early Childhood Education and Care Commission to oversee the sector comprehensively, citing that “predators too easily slipped between states and territories with different regulatory requirements.”
The inquiry comes in the wake of serious allegations against Melbourne childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown, who has been charged with sexually abusing eight children under the age of two. Brown worked at 24 facilities between 2017 and 2025, raising critical concerns about the effectiveness of current checks on childcare workers.
During her testimony, Deborah Tsorbaris, the current Children’s Commissioner, revealed that “the trust of parents has been broken.” She called for a new federal ministry for children, advocating for “national leadership and accountability” to enforce recent laws aimed at protecting children.
The Australian Human Rights Commission further stressed the necessity of a Human Rights Act to incorporate international child safety treaties. They submitted a request for an audit of all laws and policies affecting children, underscoring that “child safety and wellbeing is not just an issue for the early childhood education and care sector.”
In response to the troubling allegations, Australia’s education ministers have agreed to implement several measures, including allowing childcare centres to close early for mandatory training aimed at enhancing safety. They also announced a trial of CCTV in up to 300 centres, restrictions on mobile phone usage, and an increase of 1,600 unannounced spot checks on facilities.
Moreover, a new national continuous checking capability is set to be established, allowing real-time monitoring of childcare workers’ criminal histories using state and territory police databases. This initiative aims to ensure that alleged offenders do not retain their working with children check for extended periods.
As these developments unfold, the call for a comprehensive overhaul of Australia’s childcare system grows louder. Parents, advocates, and lawmakers are closely watching how authorities will respond to these urgent recommendations.
For immediate support and resources, individuals can contact 1800 RESPECT at 1800 737 732 or 1800 211 028 for the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue affecting the safety and wellbeing of children across Australia.
