Queensland approved provider fined $38,000 after child left unattended on bus

An approved provider in Queensland has been fined $38,000 following an incident where a four-year-old child was left unsupervised on a service-operated bus for approximately 90 minutes after an excursion.

Yahka Childcare Pty Ltd as Trustee for Yahka Childcare Trust, the approved provider for Capalaba Kids Early Learning Centre, was prosecuted by the Department of Education in its role as the state’s Early Childhood Regulatory Authority.

The incident occurred on 16 March 2023. Following an investigation, the provider was charged with three breaches under the Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations:

• Section 165 – failure to adequately supervise children
• Section 167 – failure to protect children from harm and hazards
• Regulation 170 – failure to ensure policies and procedures were followed

The provider pleaded guilty to all charges. On 27 August 2025, Magistrate Zachary Sarra determined that the provider had failed to follow basic safety procedures and did not uphold its responsibility to keep children safe.

Magistrate Sarra noted the seriousness of the offences, stating the incident could have resulted in significant harm or even death. Despite no conviction being recorded, he imposed a substantial financial penalty to act as a deterrent, citing ongoing concerns about similar incidents involving children left on buses.

The details of this enforcement action are available via the Queensland Government’s Register of Published Enforcement Actions.