THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MUST ACT TO PROTECT CHILDREN AS PARENTS EXPERIENCE UNPRECEDENTED DISTRESS

Early childhood and parenting advocates are urging the Federal Government to set up an independent Early Childhood Commission, as parents with young children in early learning face increasing anguish in the wake of disturbing allegation of sexual abuse against children in care.

The push for the Commission comes as an ABC investigation into the sector reveals that the qualifications of thousands of early education students are being fast tracked, and compromising on quality. Increasing numbers of fraudulent early learning certifications have also been reported. 

The investigation revealed widespread gaps in basic care including educators not understanding child protection policies, mandatory reporting duties or safe sleep and hygiene practices. 

“We are seeing unprecedented and completely valid levels of distress among parents, who are scared for their children' s safety and feel increasingly anxious,” said Ms Dent.

“There is currently no singular body whose role it is to ensure that Australia’s early learning quality and safety standards are properly enforced at every service across the country. Nor is there a single trusted body parents can turn to in instances such as these.” 

An independent Early Childhood Commission to oversee all matters relating to quality, safety, workforce, and access, was recommended to the Government by the Productivity Review in 2024.

“We need a national body to increase transparency between providers, families and government. At present, the oversight and regulation of childcare varies between states and territories, allowing private providers, some of whom operate like property developers, to dominate almost three quarters of services. 

“This has casualised the workforce - which has historically faced chronic shortages - to the point where children are at risk; because some providers and universities are cutting corners on training to fill vacancies and increase childcare places. 

“The result is inconsistent quality between services. Many parents who need to work to provide for their family are already faced with limited options when it comes to child care arrangements. Now parental choice around early education and care use is even further compromised. 

“We are urging the Commonwealth Government to establish an Early Childhood Commission to settle responsibilities between governments and ensure Australia’s national quality framework is upheld. 

“We're also calling for funding reform so that services are directly funded to improve supply issues and ensure quality standards keep pace with the expansion of services. 

“The Parenthood stands with all families that have been impacted by these devastating allegations. We will be releasing the details of a forum on childcare safety for parents in the coming days, where we hope to provide parents with some level of reassurance and helpful information around child safety,” said Ms Dent.