New rules for early childhood education and care will require complaints of abuse to be reported within 24 hours. Photo: Nadezhda1906.
Complaints of the abuse of children in early education centres must be reported within 24 hours instead of the current one week, under new safety measures to kick in later this year.
All state and territory governments have joined the Federal Government in signing off on stronger mandatory child safety measures to better protect children in early childhood education and care services.
From 1 September, it will be mandatory to report any allegations, complaints or incidents of physical or sexual abuse within a day. Currently, only a “serious incident”, defined as death, serious injury or trauma, or serious illness – all while in the care of a service – must be reported to regulatory authorities within 24 hours.
Complaints of physical or sexual abuse can be reported up to seven days from being received under existing rules.
That will change in September to require all such complaints and incidents to be reported within 24 hours.
A ban on vapes in all early education and care services will also come into effect, as will stronger protections around the use of digital technology.
Care centres will be required to have clear policies on taking photos and videos of children, parent consent, CCTV practice and using service-issued devices.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said the new rules build on the progress made since the release of the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) Review of Child Safety Arrangements under the National Quality Framework.
“The safety and protection of children in early childhood education is our highest priority,” he said.
“Australia has a very good system of early childhood education and care, but more can be done to make sure safety guidance and measures are fit-for-purpose.
“That’s why education ministers are acting on this key recommendation to make sure the right rules are in place to keep our children safe while they are in early education and care.”
Child safety will be explicitly embedded into the National Quality Standard from 1 January 2026.
ACECQA will issue new guidance and resource materials to support the early education sector in implementing these changes.
New National Code and Guidelines were released in July 2024, recommending that only service-issued devices can be used when photographing and filming children.
The Federal Government has also proposed further reforms to prevent providers who persistently fail to meet minimum standards and repeatedly breach the National Law from opening new Child Care Subsidy-approved services.
Compliance action will also be taken against existing providers with egregious and continued breaches, including the option to cut off access to Child Care Subsidy funding where appropriate.
And government powers across jurisdictions will be strengthened to deal with providers that pose an integrity risk.
Early Childhood Education Minister Jess Walsh said state and territory ministers will meet with the Federal Government again next week to consider additional actions to strengthen child safety in education and care services.
“Children’s health and safety are paramount at early childhood centres, and these changes will help to ensure that we continue to provide that assurance,” Senator Walsh said.
“The Australian Government is absolutely committed to ensuring that children have a positive, rewarding and safe early education experience to get the best possible start in life.”
ACT Education and Early Childhood Minister Yvette Berry said the safety and wellbeing of children in early childhood education was her highest priority.
“Access to quality early childhood education sets children up for lifelong learning and success,” she said.
“Valuing children and investing in their learning and development requires us also to value and invest in the early childhood workforce.”
