Q&A: Supporting Queensland’s ECEC sector through new child safety reforms 

From 1 January 2026, Queensland’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector will operate under the new Child Safe Organisations Act. To help providers navigate this change, the Australian Childcare Alliance Queensland (ACA Qld) is launching a series of free webinars on Child Safe Standards. This is an extension of the Safe Spaces, Strong Voices in-person development days. 

The Sector sat down with ACA Qld President, Majella Fitzsimmons, to unpack what the reforms mean for the workforce, and how the program will support services across the state. 

Fiona: What are the key changes coming into effect under the new Child Safe Organisations Act? 

Majella: From 1 January 2026, all early childhood services and individuals working in the sector will need to comply with the Child Safe Organisations Act. The legislation introduces the Queensland Child Safe Standards, 10 standards and a universal principle based on the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. These standards set clear expectations for how services prevent, identify, and respond to harm. 

It’s a major step forward in strengthening the protection of children across Queensland, and it reinforces the shared responsibility we all have in keeping children safe. 

Fiona: Why has ACA Qld developed the Safe Spaces, Strong Voices program and webinar series? 

Majella: We know these changes can feel overwhelming, particularly for small and medium-sized services that don’t have large compliance teams. The webinars are designed to make the transition practical, achievable, and accessible. 

The program gives educators and providers the tools and knowledge they need to embed the new Standards into everyday practice. It’s not just about compliance — it’s about helping the workforce build lasting cultural change in how we think about, talk about, and act on child safety.

Fiona: What can services expect from the webinars? 

Majella: Participants will walk away with practical strategies and resources they can apply immediately in their own service context. The webinars will also highlight the common threads between the Child Safe Standards and the work services are already doing under the National Quality Framework. 

Fiona: What does early engagement with the program tell you about the sector’s appetite for change? 

Majella: The response has been incredible to our Safe Spaces, Strong Voices in-person programs, with all in-person events at capacity. And again, when we hosted our Safeguarding Children webinars earlier this year, more than 500 people registered within a few days. That tells us there’s a strong commitment within the workforce, educators want to do more, know more, and get it right. 

This program is about building on that enthusiasm and giving educators the confidence to lead change from within their services. 

Fiona: How does this link to the next phase of reform, the Reportable Conduct Scheme? 

Majella: Embedding the Child Safe Standards is just the first step. Later in 2026, we’ll see the introduction of the Reportable Conduct Scheme, which will outline how services respond to and report allegations of harm. Our goal is to ensure our members are ready for both stages of reform. We’ll continue to provide clear guidance, training, and communication every step of the way. 

Fiona: How can services get involved? 

Majella: Services can reserve their seat for the webinars now by registering via this link.

The session is free, with flexible delivery options, and we encourage all ECEC providers, no matter their size or location, to take part. This is about ensuring every Queensland child learns and grows in an environment that is safe, supported, and accountable.