Regulatory breaches result in fines and enforcement action across two states

Queensland and Western Australia reinforce compliance expectations in early childhood education and care

Two significant enforcement actions in December 2025 have reaffirmed the commitment of early childhood regulatory authorities in Queensland and Western Australia to uphold the safety, health and wellbeing of children through robust compliance with the Education and Care Services National Law.

In Queensland, an individual has been fined $6,000 for operating and advertising an early childhood education and care (ECEC) service without the required service approval. The Department of Education, in its role as the state’s Regulatory Authority, found that Toni Ferris had been delivering unapproved education and care, and advertising those services, in breach of sections 103 and 104 of the National Law.

Following a search warrant executed on 6 December 2023, Ms Ferris pleaded guilty to the offences. The Southport Magistrates Court issued the fine on 3 December 2025, with no conviction recorded. The court noted the seriousness of the offences and emphasised the importance of deterrence in its sentencing.

In a separate matter in Western Australia, approved provider JBL Pty Ltd, trading as Pearsall Childcare Centre, was penalised for multiple breaches of the Education and Care Services National Law (WA) Act 2012 and National Regulations.

The breaches occurred on 11 November 2025 and included:

• Failure to ensure adequate supervision of children (Section 165(1));
• Failure to take every reasonable precaution to protect children from harm and hazards (Section 167(1));
• Failure to comply with transport disembarkation requirements (Regulation 102F(2));
• Failure to have required policies and procedures in place (Regulation 168(1)); and
• Failure to ensure staff followed those policies and procedures (Regulation 170(1)).

The WA State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) ordered JBL Pty Ltd to pay penalties totalling $32,000, comprising:

• $17,000 for breaching Section 165(1),
• $13,000 for breaching Section 167(1),
• $1,500 for breaching Regulation 102F(2),
• $500 for breaching Regulation 168(1),
• A formal reprimand for breaching Regulation 170(1), and
• $2,000 in legal costs.

These actions reinforce the importance of regulatory compliance and the legal responsibilities of approved providers and individuals. The National Law is designed to protect the safety, health and wellbeing of children, and both jurisdictions have signalled a strong commitment to enforcement where breaches occur.

Further details about the enforcement actions can be found at:

1. Queensland published actions: earlychildhood.qld.gov.au/register-published-enforcement-actions#2025
2. Western Australia enforcement outcomes: wa.gov.au education and care enforcement actions