Government signals major reforms in childcare safety, schooling and higher education

In a press conference held on 18 October 2025 in Bankstown, NSW, Minister Jason Clare provided a comprehensive update on reforms across the education sector from early childhood regulation to school curriculum and university governance. 

Minister Clare confirmed that the suite of childcare safety reforms announced in August this year is progressing as planned. These reforms include:

• The rollout of a CCTV trial within childcare services, expected to begin in the coming weeks. 
• Testing of a new Educator Register in December. 
• The introduction of mandatory early educator training, scheduled for implementation in February next year. 

These measures align with the regulatory framework under the Education and Care Services National Law and Education and Care Services National Regulations, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to quality, safety and accountability.

The government also outlined the next stage of school education reform. Minister Clare announced an agreement in principle to establish a new national body, the Australian Teaching and Learning Commission, to bring together several functions currently held by separate agencies:

• Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) curriculum and national assessment
• Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) teacher standards
• Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) evidence‑based practices
• Education Services Australia (ESA) technology and classroom tools 

In addition, a targeted “keyhole surgery” review has been commissioned for the mathematics curriculum in the early years kindergarten/prep to Years 1 and 2 recognising that foundational maths is sequential and must be taught in the correct order. 

A significant focus of the press conference was on student wellbeing, bullying and the evolving role of technology in schools. The Minister pointed to the scale of online and AI‑driven bullying, including apps and chatbots telling children to self‑harm. 

Key points:

• Schools are being urged to act within 48 hours of bullying reports to effectively “nip it in the bud”. 
• Some $5 million has been allocated to develop resources for parents: for when their child is bullied and when their child is alleged to have done the bullying. 
• Professional learning and pre‑service teacher education will incorporate stronger curricula on behaviour management, digital safety and up‑standing (not just by‑standing) behaviour.

Minister Clare’s statements define a clear trajectory for the education sector: stronger governance, integrated structures, heightened safety protocols and upgraded curriculum frameworks. 

For the early childhood education and care sector, these reforms present both compliance responsibilities and opportunities to enhance practice.