DESE signals a greater push for compliance with NSW and Vic pilot project

The Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) has signaled that it will place a greater priority on compliance in 2022, stepping up efforts to detect and prevent child care fraud. 

“Throughout 2022 we are partnering with authorities in NSW and Victoria,” an announcement from the Department read, with a view to: 

• Reducing the regulatory burden on providers “who do the right thing” 
• Increase and streamline data sharing 
• Share intelligence
• Boost intelligence capability and activity 
• Conduct joint monitoring
• Strengthen compliance and enforcement outcomes 

In the long term it is anticipated that the pilot project will help DESE to roll out compliance and fraud control initiatives nationally, help lift the overall quality of the sector, and identify opportunities to support compliant providers without over burdening them with legislative red tape. 

Throughout the duration of the pilot, and indeed at any time, the Department has asked that suspected fraud is reported to the dedicated tip off line. This can be done via phone, to 1800 664 231, or via email, to [email protected].

Apprenticeship boost 

In the same communication the Department reminded early childhood employers about the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) wage subsidy, which closes to new applicants on 31 March 2022.

Early childhood education and care services who take on new trainees may be eligible for the BAC.

Eligible employers can receive a subsidy of 50 per cent of a trainee’s gross wages. The subsidy will pay up to $7,000 per quarter for wages paid in the 12-month period from the date of commencement.

To be eligible for BAC employers must: 

• engage the trainee and commence training on or before 31 March
• register through their Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Provider.

The new trainee nominated must:

• be engaged between 5 October 2020 and 31 March 2022
• be undertaking a Certificate II or higher qualification, including Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and Certificate IV in School Aged Education and Care
• have a training contract formally approved by the state training authority.

Exclusions and Existing Worker eligibility will apply. To learn more about the BAC please see here.