Statement of Shared Commitment from QLD Government

The Queensland Regulatory Authority and the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector have come together to release a Statement of Shared Commitment, to ensure positive experiences and interactions for all children attending Queensland ECEC services.

The Statement of Shared Commitment – Every Interaction Counts was released at Queensland Parliament House and represents a collective commitment to providing a child-safe culture in all Queensland services.

The Statement is a joint child safety initiative across the Queensland early learning and care sector, involving a number of sector representatives, peak bodies and the Early Childhood Regulatory Authority.

It acknowledges, in part, that everyone working in ECEC has a responsibility to keep children safe from harm, notes that all staff directly working with children are mandatory reporters, and that anyone who witnesses or suspects inappropriate interactions at their service must report.

It further notes that approved providers have a responsibility to notify the Regulatory Authority whenever children’s health, safety and wellbeing is at risk.

The Statement of Commitment serves as a foundational framework designed to enhance children’s safety and well-being in ECEC services throughout Queensland and outlines the expectations for how children should be treated and establishes standards for staff in early learning services who work directly with children.

This collective effort marks a significant moment in the Qld ECEC landscape, as it is believed to be the first time that diverse organisations from the sector have come together in full agreement on every detail of a guiding document.

The release of the Statement was welcomed by several peak bodies including the Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) and the Queensland branch of the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA Qld).

“There is nothing more important than the safety of young children in our care,” ELACCA CEO Elizabeth Death said. “ELACCA applauds the Queensland Government including Minister for Education, John Paul Langbroek, the Department of Education, providers and sector colleagues who have signed up to the Shared Commitment.”

“ELACCA strongly supports every effort to keep children safe, and to ensure positive experiences and interactions for all children attending early learning and care services in Queensland. We call on other states and territories to follow Queensland’s lead.”

Speaking on behalf of ACA Qld President Majella Fitzsimmons said the peak body commended the Department of Education Queensland and all participating peak bodies for their dedication to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for Queensland’s youngest learners.

“This unified approach exemplifies the commitment of the entire sector to prioritise the rights and safety of children, ensuring they are treated with respect and dignity.”

One of the key features of the Statement of Commitment is that individual services will have the opportunity to showcase their adherence to these principles by displaying their own logo alongside the Statement in their foyers and during staff inductions. 

This initiative will visibly demonstrate to all staff that their organisation is dedicated to upholding these important standards, creating a culture of safety and respect within early learning environments.

Queensland ECEC services are encouraged to visit the Department of Education website at: www.qld.gov.au/ECECcommitment for access to a suite of resources, training and workshops and communication materials that relate to the Statement of Shared Commitment.