CAMPAIGNERS CALL FOR EARLY LEARNING COMMISSION AS MORE CASES OF ABUSE IN CHILDCARE EXPOSED

Campaigners’ calls for the establishment of a national independent Early Learning Commission are growing louder today as another case of abuse towards a child in care was exposed in an investigation by the ABC.

The article reveals a horrific video in which an early childhood educator hits a baby in care across the face at an Affinity Education Centre, one of Australia’s largest providers, which averaged more than 1700 breaches of care in NSW between 2021 – 2024.

Advocacy organisation The Parenthood say that an independent Early Childhood Education and Care Commission, as proposed by the Productivity Commission and supported by organisations including Early Childhood Australia, Goodstart Early Learning, ARACY and The Front Project, will improve safety and quality for children in early education. 

“Guaranteed safety should be the absolute bare minimum when it comes to regulating early childhood education and care, yet the sector lacks national leadership in this regard,” said Ms Dent. 

“Private providers dominate the current system, leaving the quality standards between centres inconsistent. As a result, the onus to choose a “quality” service unfairly falls on parents – who already have minimal options when it comes to securing a childcare place, with services notoriously scarce and unaffordable in Australia.

“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has on multiple occasions described childcare reform as the legacy he wishes to be remembered by, having already announced or introduced reforms to improve affordability and accessibility. 

“An early learning Commission would build on and lead these reforms to make early education truly universal in all regards, so that high-quality and safe care is available for every single family that wants it.”

In late March, the Federal Government passed legislation to withhold or restrict government funding for childcare operators that breach safety standards. 

“We’re moving in the right direction, but steps need to be taken to create a system that prevents the mistreatment of children before it occurs. 

“An independent Early Childhood Education and Care Commission is a means to hold providers accountable, ensure that Australia’s world-leading childcare safety standards are enforced strictly and restore public faith in our early education and care system. We urge the Federal Government to roll out such a Commission,” said Ms Dent.