Federal Health Minister seeks updated advice about COVID-19 safety in ECEC

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has sought updated advice at a Senate estimates committee hearing on how to ensure early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres are COVID-19 safe.

Minister Hunt has sought advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee which has been asked for advice relating to the early childhood education sector.

The advice, along with research by the Doherty Institute, will go to the next national cabinet meeting of federal, state and territory leaders on November 5.

During the hearings, the Upper House Committee also heard that the Federal Education Department didn’t know how many ECEC employees were vaccinated across the country, as it was a matter for the States and Territories. 

Five states and territories have mandated vaccinations in the early childhood sector and the vaccination of workers was “strongly encouraged,” in remaining spaces, Department Deputy Secretary Brenton Philip said.

To access a transcript of the hearing please see here.