Urgent Action Needed to Protect Children in Childcare

Victorian police are currently investigating a childcare worker accused of abusing at least eight babies and a toddler at a Melbourne centre. These horrific allegations have ignited a critical conversation about child safety and prompted a much-needed overhaul of the state's working with children checks. As the national children's commissioner, Anne Hollands, explains, this situation sheds light on significant gaps in the regulatory framework safeguarding our children — gaps that demand immediate, coordinated national action.

Table of Contents

• How Could Abuse in Childcare Centres Happen?
• What Urgent Actions Are Needed?
• Why Has Progress Been So Slow?
• Making Child Safety a National Priority
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Could Abuse in Childcare Centres Happen?

Many parents and community members are understandably shocked and asking how such abuse could occur in places designed to protect and nurture children. Anne Hollands characterises this as an “unbelievable situation,” one that exposes cracks in the child safety scaffolding not only in Victoria but across Australia.

We often assume childcare centres operate with child safety as their highest priority. However, the reality is that there are systemic holes in the way these centres are regulated and monitored. These weaknesses leave children vulnerable and highlight the urgent need to strengthen the underlying regulatory framework.

What Urgent Actions Are Needed?

Anne Hollands stresses that urgent action is required right now. She points to the many past inquiries and reports, including the 2017 Royal Commission, which made clear recommendations on protecting children — recommendations that remain unimplemented years later.

Key areas needing attention include:

• Working with Children Checks: These checks are a vital safeguard, but as recent events have shown, they need strengthening and consistent application across all states and territories.
• National Coordination: Responsibilities for child safety are shared between the Commonwealth and the states, necessitating collaborative efforts and unified standards.
• Implementation of Past Recommendations: Many reports and royal commissions have outlined what needs to be done, but these remain “unfinished business” with vital jobs still to be completed.

Why Has Progress Been So Slow?

One of the biggest frustrations highlighted by Anne Hollands is the lack of accountability and urgency at the top levels of government. Despite significant investment in royal commissions and investigations, many recommendations sit on shelves, untouched.

She points out that, federally, there is no dedicated cabinet minister for children, and children’s issues are not prioritised at the national cabinet level — a stark contrast to other critical issues such as women’s safety.

“This is the probably the biggest thing that keeps me awake at night... when it comes to protecting children, this is often the case. There is no one at the top who is accountable for action.”

Making Child Safety a National Priority

To truly protect children, Anne Hollands advocates for making child safety and well-being a national priority. This means not only recognising the issue at the highest levels of government but also ensuring clear accountability and a sense of urgency in implementing reforms.

Only through coordinated action across the federation and genuine commitment to past recommendations can we hope to close the gaps in the system and prevent future tragedies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do working with children checks currently operate in Australia?

Working with children checks are background screenings required for individuals working with children. However, the processes and standards vary across states and territories, leading to gaps in protection.

Why haven't past recommendations from inquiries been fully implemented?

Implementation has been slow due to a lack of accountability, fragmented responsibilities between federal and state governments, and insufficient prioritisation of child safety at the national level.

What can parents do to help improve child safety in childcare?

Parents can stay informed about the safety standards of their childcare centres, advocate for stronger regulations, and support organisations working towards improved child protection policies.

Is there a national cabinet minister responsible for children's issues?

Currently, no dedicated cabinet minister exists for children’s issues at the federal level, which has contributed to a lack of coordinated national focus on child safety.

What role does the national children's commissioner play?

The national children's commissioner advocates for the rights and safety of children, highlighting gaps in policy and pushing for reforms to protect children across Australia.