Regulator saved: Queensland Government acts to ensure safety and oversight in early learning sector

The Queensland Government has restored funding to the state’s Early Childhood Regulatory Authority, reversing the previous government’s decision to cease funding from 30 June 2025.

As part of the upcoming State Budget, the Crisafulli Government has committed $12.7 million over four years to secure the operations of the regulator and expand its workforce ensuring continued oversight of more than 3,300 early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across the state.

Strengthening the watchdog to keep children safe

The renewed funding will support the recruitment of 29 new full-time regulatory officers, increasing the Authority’s capacity to conduct unannounced visits, safety checks and compliance actions.

Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the funding was essential to maintain and enhance safety standards across Queensland’s ECEC sector.

“Labor’s funding cuts left Queensland kids at risk,” Mr Langbroek said. “We are helping keep them safe by properly resourcing this safety watchdog.”

“Parents expect when they drop their kids at childcare they are safe, and that’s why the regulator must be resourced to take action when needed.”

Oversight, compliance and enforcement

The Authority plays a critical role in safeguarding children’s health, safety and wellbeing in early learning settings. Its responsibilities include:

• ensuring compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF)
• undertaking enforcement action where required
• implementing the accepted findings of the ongoing Blue Card Child Safety Review, which aims to close system gaps in child protection oversight.

The Minister also confirmed the government’s commitment to advocating for stronger national child protection measures, working with other jurisdictions to reinforce safety across state and territory lines.

A sharp contrast to past policy

The funding commitment follows concerns that Labor’s budget plans had left the regulator unfunded beyond June 2025, a decision that, if carried forward, would have led to reduced oversight of safety standards in early childhood services.

The Crisafulli Government’s intervention has ensured continuity for the Authority and reasserted the importance of robust regulation in the early years sector.

This investment signals a renewed commitment to child safety and sector integrity. With additional boots on the ground and a clear policy mandate, the Queensland Regulatory Authority is now better positioned to protect children and support educators to meet and maintain quality standards.

Read the full media relaese here.