Goodstart strengthens child safety systems with independent investigation and renewed safeguards

Goodstart Early Learning has announced a series of strengthened child safeguarding measures, outlined by CEO Dr Ros Baxter in a recent statement. The measures include an independent external investigation and enhanced reporting protocols designed to reinforce the organisation’s child safety framework.

Following the conclusion of a police investigation with no charges being laid, Goodstart has appointed an independent external investigator into allegations at its now closed Mt Helen centre.

Yesterday Goodstart wrote to former families of the centre, and all current families in its Ballarat centres to advise them of the investigation. A Centre Director had their employment terminated for serious misconduct/failure to report as a result of the case. The educator had their employment terminated after the Victorian authorities prohibited them.

Goodstart has reaffirmed its ‘Look. Do. Tell.’ policy, which requires immediate reporting of all concerns related to child safety. All employees are trained in this policy, and Goodstart has reiterated that breaches of mandatory reporting obligations carry serious consequences, including termination.

Goodstart CEO Dr Ros Baxter has called for broader sector-wide and national reforms to complement provider action, including:

• A national Working with Children Check framework to ensure consistency across jurisdictions.
• A national educator register to track employment history and improve transparency.
• A national reportable conduct scheme to strengthen accountability and oversight.

Dr Baxter said the organisation continues to work closely with regulators, government agencies and families to advocate for stronger national protections.

In addition to the independent investigation, Goodstart has:

• Introduced additional tools to guide staff in responding to allegations.
• Enhanced training for all educators and centre leaders on immediate reporting and evidence preservation.
• Continued investment in specialist safeguarding teams and child interviewers to ensure children’s voices are heard.

“Child safety is our highest priority. We are committed to continuously strengthening our systems, ensuring our people are fully supported to meet their reporting obligations, and advocating for reforms that will improve protections across the early learning sector,” Dr Baxter said.

Goodstart has confirmed it will continue to share findings from its independent investigation with relevant authorities and families, and remains focused on sector-wide collaboration to build a national framework that places children’s safety first, always.