Understanding ACECQA’s National Decision Tree: guidance for approved providers, persons with management control and educators

Deciding whether and how to notify the regulatory authority under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations can sometimes be complex. The ACECQA National Decision Tree (NDT) is an interactive online tool that continues to support approved providers, nominated supervisors and educators to navigate reporting obligations with confidence.

Explore the tool: National Decision Tree – ACECQA
Watch the help video: ACECQA NDT overview

What the National Decision Tree does

The NDT takes users through a series of step-by-step questions to determine:

• whether an incident, complaint or change must be reported
• the correct notification form to complete
• the timeframe for submission through the NQA IT System.

It also explains key terms such as trauma, missing from the service, not accounted for, physical abuse and complaint, ensuring a shared understanding across the sector.

Why it matters for services

• Clarity and consistency: Supports services to apply the National Law consistently, reducing uncertainty.
• Timeframe awareness: Ensures notifications are lodged within required deadlines.
• Compliance support: Builds confidence that reporting decisions align with legal requirements under the National Quality Framework (NQF).

How to use the tool

1. Access the NDT on ACECQA’s website.
2. Work through the guided questions relevant to the incident or change.
3. Follow the outcome: if a notification is required, the tool directs users to the correct NQA IT System form.
4. Include comprehensive details (time, date, description, people involved, supporting evidence).

Quick guide: when to use the National Decision Tree

Use the NDT if you are unsure whether an incident, complaint or change needs to be reported. It can assist in deciding if, when, and how to notify your regulatory authority.

Key triggers include:

• Serious incidents or injury
• Allegations of abuse or harm
• Complaints raising safety or compliance concerns
• A child missing or not accounted for
• Changes to provider or service information

Steps to follow:

1. Open the NDT on the ACECQA website.
2. Answer the guided scenario questions.
3. Follow the outcome, if reporting is required, complete the correct form in the NQA IT System.
4. Record and retain details for your service’s compliance records.

Practical tips for ECEC services

• Bookmark the NDT and make it easily accessible for all staff.
• Incorporate role-play scenarios into team meetings to practise decision-making.
• Keep documentation thorough when submitting notifications to aid regulator assessment.
• Align NDT use with existing policies and procedures for incident reporting and child safety.

A sector-wide tool

While each state and territory has its own regulatory authority, the NDT provides a unified national framework. By embedding the tool into everyday practice, services can strengthen compliance and reinforce a culture of transparency, safety and accountability.