Child safety at the centre: Building a stronger ECEC system that protects, supports and empowers all

This article contains references to child sexual abuse, which may be distressing for some readers. Please read with care and prioritise your wellbeing. Resources for support are provided at the end of the article.

 

A powerful Four Corners investigation has reignited public focus on child safety in early childhood education and care (ECEC). While serious incidents remain rare, the findings reinforce the need for continuous vigilance, stronger national systems and a renewed commitment to protecting children.

 

But there’s another story that must be told: one of dedication, integrity and tireless professionalism. Across Australia, thousands of educators, teachers and centre leaders uphold the highest standards of care every day often in the face of immense pressure. This article recognises both the urgency of reform and the importance of celebrating the committed professionals already building safer futures for children.ye

 

ECEC professionals are navigating one of the most demanding and highly scrutinised environments in Australian education. In the wake of high-profile failures, it is vital to acknowledge that the vast majority of services operate with care, transparency and an unwavering focus on child wellbeing.

 

Voices from across the sector reflect this reality. Centre managers, educators and nominated supervisors have shared fears of being unfairly blamed, despite adhering to every safeguard. They describe the immense pressure of being held accountable for the independent actions of others, even after rigorous induction, mentoring and policy enforcement. Their heartfelt messages, posted across social media, speak to the emotional toll of doing everything right, only to feel unprotected when things go wrong.

 

These reflections do not diminish the importance of investigative reporting or systemic reform. Instead, they emphasise the need for balanced narratives that highlight both where things have failed and where they are working. They call on the media, policymakers and the public to recognise that most educators are not part of the problem. They are, and always have been, a vital part of the solution.

 

Educators and centre managers are not just meeting regulatory obligations they are exceeding them. Many services have invested heavily in comprehensive induction programs, regular professional development, family engagement strategies and child-safe training. These quiet achievements rarely make headlines, but they form the backbone of a safe and trusted ECEC system.

 

Failing to recognise this risks demoralising the very people who make safety possible. If professionals feel unsupported or unfairly judged, the sector may struggle to retain the experienced workforce it needs to protect children.

 

The Four Corners report, by investigative journalist Adele Ferguson, reviewed over 200,000 pages of regulatory files and confidential documents. It revealed nearly 150 educators accused or convicted of child sexual abuse or serious misconduct. Forty-two of these individuals have been convicted; others remain before the courts.

 

The findings highlight systemic issues around background checks, staff supervision, and incident response areas where continued vigilance and improvement are essential.

 

Experts featured in the program warned that some offenders actively seek employment in early childhood settings due to the trusting relationships and physical closeness inherent to the work. Predators often “hide in plain sight,” appearing competent and caring while concealing harmful intent.

 

One of the most disturbing examples involved Ashley Griffith, convicted in 2024 of sexually abusing 65 children in Queensland. Griffith reportedly worked in multiple centres for nearly two decades, exploiting weak staffing practices and poor oversight.

 

The Four Corners investigation highlighted several overlapping concerns:

 

• Inconsistent screening of staff, including expired or missing Working With Children Checks
• High workforce turnover and reliance on casual or agency educators, impacting continuity and supervision
• Variable enforcement across regulatory jurisdictions, with some services recording multiple breaches before action was taken
• Lack of national data-sharing, making it harder to track individuals of concern who move between states or services

 

While the report noted a concentration of cases in for-profit long day care settings, safety risks are not inherent to any particular profit model. Rather, they are shaped by governance, leadership, workforce capability and organisational culture all of which can vary widely across the sector.

 

The investigation has also sparked renewed attention to the role of financial decision-making in early childhood service delivery, including operating budgets, profit margins and executive remuneration. Regardless of ownership model, transparent governance and ongoing investment in compliance, training and quality improvement are critical to maintaining safe, inclusive and high-quality environments.

 

The Australian early learning sector has undergone significant reform in recent years, with further policy changes scheduled for early 2026. These reforms have been welcomed by peak bodies, advocacy groups and many providers already working to strengthen internal policies, training and incident reporting.

 

Child safety does not sit with services alone. It is a shared responsibility involving educators, centre managers, families, regulators, health professionals and law enforcement.

 

As NSW Greens MP Abigail Boyd noted, real prevention lies in attracting and retaining qualified staff and addressing cost-cutting practices that prioritise profit over care. Her comments reflect broader calls for coordinated action at every level of the system.

 

Timely medical attention, clear reporting pathways for families and trained police response teams are essential. As Dr Michael Bourke stated in the program, “secrecy and silence are the conditions predators rely on. Breaking that silence together is what stops them.”

 

Sector leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to child safety and transparency. The National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, along with upcoming legislative changes, provide a clear roadmap for continuous improvement. Thousands of services are already using these frameworks to strengthen outcomes for children.

 

The Four Corners investigation is a sobering reminder of what is at stake. But it is also a turning point not just for policy and regulation, but for how we collectively talk about early childhood education.

 

Reform must go hand-in-hand with respect. As services take on the challenge of strengthening systems and safeguarding children, they must also be recognised and supported, not vilified.

 

The path forward calls for leadership grounded in evidence and empathy. It means valuing the people who show up every day to create safe, joyful and enriching environments for children. And it means never losing sight of what matters most: the right of every child to be safe, seen and supported in their earliest years.

 

If you or someone you know is affected by this article, please contact:

 

• Lifeline – 13 11 44
• National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence and Counselling Services – 1800 737 732
• Bravehearts – 1800 272 831 
• Kids Helpline – 24/7 1800 55 1800 
• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 
• Australian Childhood Foundation – 1300 381 581
• eSafety Commissioner – Guidance for online safety and reporting abuse
  www.esafety.gov.au

 

If a child is in immediate danger, call 000.