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Free child safeguard training for Queensland’s early childhood sector
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Fiona Alston
Sep 29, 2025
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Queensland is strengthening its commitment to child safety, with new laws and policies coming into effect from 1 January 2026 to better protect children. The Queensland Family and Child Commission will oversee the implementation and compliance of the new Child Safe Organisations Act, which applies to all entities and individuals delivering early childhood education and care (ECEC).
To support the sector through this transition, the Australian Childcare Alliance Queensland (ACA QLD) will roll out its free Safe Spaces, Strong Voices professional development program from October 2025. The program is designed to help ECEC providers embed the Queensland Child Safe Standards, 10 standards and a universal principle based on the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, into their daily practices.“We recognise that embedding these changes can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to support small and medium-sized ECEC centres. Our free program, Safe Spaces, Strong Voices, is about making the legislative transition practical and achievable,” said Majella Fitzsimmons, ACA Qld President.
Strong sector interest has already been demonstrated, with more than 500 registrations for ACA Qld’s recent Safeguarding Children webinars within days of release, proof of the workforce’s commitment to strengthening child protection practices.
The Safe Spaces, Strong Voices program will feature catered face-to-face training sessions and online webinars, ensuring accessibility for services in regional and remote areas, as well as those experiencing staffing shortages. Venues will be finalised and announced in the coming weeks.
“Embedding the Standards is just the first phase of change. Safe Spaces, Strong Voices will give individuals and providers the practical skills and knowledge to safeguard children and comply with this first stage of the Act. Later in 2026, the sector will also implement the Reportable Conduct Scheme, and ACA Qld will be there to support services through that process too,” Ms Fitzsimmons added.
This effort reflects ACA Qld’s commitment to driving long-term cultural change within early learning services, equipping providers with the processes and tailored resources to prioritise child safety at all times.
Face-to-Face Training Dates
- 14 October – Cairns
- 15 October – Brisbane South
- 16 October – Gold Coast & Brisbane North
- 17 October – Sunshine Coast
- 20 October – Toowoomba & Ipswich
- 23 October – Townsville
- 30 October – Rockhampton
- 31 October – Mackay
Spaces are filling up fast, for more information or to register, visit HERE.
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