Reporting child abuse and neglect guidelines updated

Almost one million Australian families are set to receive free childcare for the duration of the COVID 19 pandemic, under a plan announced moments ago by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan in a press conference.

Infant and child mental health advocate Emerging Minds has urged all those who work with and care for children to consider the impact that COVID-19 reactions and prevention measures may be having on children, issuing a reminder with a simple premise – children are not immune to the community fear and anxiety caused by COVID-19.

Early Childhood Australia (ECA) has encouraged those considered vulnerable to COVID-19 infection to approach their employers with their leadership team as the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector continues to navigate the unfolding pandemic.

The Office of the Children’s Guardian, the New South Wales authority charged with monitoring working with children clearances in the state, have been in touch with thousands of educators, and others who have roles requiring clearance, to extend the date of expiration on their clearance for an additional six months.

The Federal Government has announced a third set of stimulus measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which includes a new wage subsidy of $1,500 per employee, per fortnight to be paid to businesses for a six month period.