Minister Jess Walsh signals urgent action on safety and oversight in early learning

In the wake of serious child safety concerns in early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education, Senator Jess Walsh, has confirmed that the Albanese Government will introduce new legislation to withdraw Commonwealth funding from providers that consistently prioritise profit over children’s safety.

Speaking with Patricia Karvelas on ABC’s Afternoon Briefing, Minister Walsh described the recent developments in Melbourne where a childcare worker was charged with more than 70 offences including sexual assault as “absolutely devastating” and reiterated the need for every child to be safe in early learning.

“There is more work to do, and I’m really passionate about doing that work,” Minister Walsh said. “We must ensure a culture of child safety and protection. If you see it, say it and report it.”

A recent survey showing that three-quarters of ECEC workers had experienced staffing below minimum levels at least weekly has underscored the urgency of systemic reform. While the majority of providers meet or exceed quality standards, Minister Walsh confirmed that a minority are failing to uphold child safety obligations.

To address these concerns, the government will introduce legislation allowing it to revoke Child Care Subsidy funding from providers found to be persistently breaching standards. The measures are specifically targeted at those placing financial priorities above the wellbeing of children.

“We fund child care services through the Child Care Subsidy,” Walsh said. “If providers persistently do the wrong thing we will withdraw your funding because there is no place for providers like that in this sector.”

The exact mechanisms for defining persistent breaches are yet to be finalised, but the legislation is scheduled for introduction in the next sitting of Parliament. Minister Walsh also highlighted the need for greater regulatory transparency and joined-up oversight across jurisdictions, flagging proposals for a national register of early childhood educators and unannounced compliance spot checks.

While recent media coverage has led to reports of services restricting male educators from performing certain tasks, such as nappy changes, Minister Walsh emphasised the importance of balanced representation across the workforce.

“We want to see men who are caring, men who are warm, men who can show children a different way of being male,” she said. “The vast majority of educators are so devastated by this. They just want to do a good job of making sure children are safe and that they get a great quality early education.”

Walsh also noted the importance of coordinated reform through the Education Ministers Meeting and left open the possibility of a national commission to oversee future regulatory efforts.

Read the full transcript here.