The Parenthood welcomes new Childcare Safety Bill but urges systemic reform to truly protect children

The Parenthood has welcomed the Federal Government’s new Childcare Safety Bill, passed in Parliament today, as a necessary step toward improving safety in early learning environments.

However, the leading parent advocacy group stressed that systemic reform is essential to prevent abuse and ensure all children are safe and well cared for across the country.

The new legislation gives the Commonwealth the power to revoke funding from childcare providers that breach the law, fail to meet the National Quality Standard on safety and quality, or operate in ways that endanger children. It also grants Commonwealth officers authority to conduct unannounced spot-checks to detect fraud and non-compliance across the sector.

The Parenthood has welcomed the reforms as a positive move but reiterated the urgent need for structural change to protect all children in early learning.

“This Bill will help close critical loopholes that have allowed predators to enter the system. We commend the government, opposition and crossbench for acting swiftly and collaboratively to pass it,” Georgie Dent, CEO of The Parenthood, said.

“But this legislation alone is not enough to prevent abuse. The lack of consistent, national oversight and coordination has enabled abuse in places where children should be safest.”

The Parenthood is calling for the establishment of an independent National Early Childhood Commission. 

“We need a system that puts children’s safety and wellbeing at the centre - nationally, not just state by state. A dedicated Commission would provide the accountability, leadership and long-term focus that the sector urgently needs,” Dent said.

“Without national coordination, the fragmentation of service quality and accountability across states and territories will leave children vulnerable to mistreatment and force parents who need childcare to work to settle for substandard providers.

“We urge the government to establish a National Early Childhood Commission to oversee, monitor and regulate nationally consistent quality and safety standards across childcare in Australia,” said Ms Dent.