CHILDCARE REVELATIONS: STRONG LEADERSHIP NEEDED TO WEED OUT UNSCRUPULOUS PROVIDERS PUTTING PROFIT BEFORE KIDS AND FAMILIES

The shocking mistreatment of children exposed in an ABC Four Corners story airing tonight represents some of the most extreme failures of Australia’s profit-driven childcare system, says the nation’s leading parents’ advocacy group.

The Parenthood is calling for the Federal Government to take greater leadership of the early childhood education and care system, in which it invests billions of dollars each year through their Child Care Subsidy. 

CEO Georgie Dent said almost three quarters of the sector was privately owned which has contributed to soaring out-of-profit fees, a shortage of places in rural and lower-income areas and now raises legitimate questions about quality and child safety. 

“The current market-based model of early childhood education and care is not fit for purpose, and in the worst instances is leaving children vulnerable to mistreatment, educators unpaid and families in the lurch with sudden closures of services,” said Ms Dent. 

“Australia needs stronger government leadership to prevent unscrupulous providers – who see education as an opportunity to profit from children – from entering the sector.

“Funding through the Child Care Subsidy – as is the current approach – is effectively a blank cheque for dodgy providers who choose to make a quick buck at the expense of quality education and care of children. It is difficult to regulate quality and safety protocol in a sector that is so dominated by private ownership, an issue flagged by the Productivity Commission in its major report.”

“The Prime Minister has indicated that reforming the funding model is part of his second term vision, which is very encouraging.

“The kind of reform we would like to see would not only improve safety and quality, but would make early childhood education and care more affordable and accessible, by capping out-of-pocket fees at $10-a-day and ensuring there are enough places in all parts of Australia – whether urban or rural, high- or low-income neighbourhoods.

“Early childhood education and care is an essential service. We have a world leading National Quality Framework and world class educators who go above and beyond to educate and care for our children.

“But much of the sector remains understaffed and under-resourced. It’s time the Federal Government takes control by setting fees and adopting a much more active role in ensuring adequate supply and greater accountability around minimum quality standards.

"Right now, the system is too expensive for parents, fails to provide access for over a quarter of the country living in ‘childcare deserts,’ and does not consistently ensure that only high-quality providers operate.

“By strengthening oversight and addressing these gaps, we can reduce the number of concerning incidents in early education and help families and the public maintain confidence in the system,” said Ms Dent.