How do we confront the failures without condemning the profession?

To ensure a sustainable ECEC sector it is important that not all educators and providers be judged alongside providers or individuals who are failing to protect and care for children. 

Families deserve answers about the safety of children but there also needs to be a distinction between individuals and offending operators across the sector.

In the 4 Corners report that was aired on 26 October, Edwina Ling was found guilty and sentenced. The judge used in the hearing the word “monstrous” to describe the individual and her interactions with children.  

What happened when concerns were raised?

In this situation there are many questions being raised including management, culture and oversight at the individual centre:

• What did staff observe? 
• What did they report, and who acted? 
• What process and checks informed the decision to promote an educator in a senior role? 
• How were potential conflicts of interest managed within the centre and decision-making process?

This demonstrates the importance that boards, providers and managers hold when making decisions and ensuring the key decisions relate to the best outcome for children.

How national is the national system?

Injinoo operated outside the National Quality Framework, under separate Queensland legislation.

In its public response, SNAICC clarified that services outside the NQF remain regulated by state and territory governments. It reiterated its longstanding advocacy for nationally consistent standards that recognise culture.

The national worker register now gives regulators greater visibility of who works where. Responsible providers should have systems that help identify risks for any new employee and existing employees.

Helping families make informed decisions

Most families require both parents to work or hold several jobs, especially under the current cost-of-living pressures. Parents want to have trust that their children are being cared for and can build relationships, develop confidence and enjoy learning when placed in early learning settings.

Recent CCS figures showed a 2.1 per cent annual decline in children using approved care in the June quarter of 2026. 

For families being exposed to negative media this may continue the downward spin of lost trust, and the implications are concerning for children’s participation in early learning, educator wellbeing and responsible services’ viability.

Families can source practical guidance to assist in making clear decisions, this also include: 

• Centre tours and visits
• Observing educators’ and specifically interactions with children. 
• Questioning staff turnover 
• Discussing how concerns are handled. 
• Taking note of the centre atmosphere and whether children are receiving attentive care and are happy. 

It is important to note that failures can occur in both for-profit and not-for-profit services. 

All provider’s first purpose for providing early childhood and care should be the safety, high-quality education and care for children.

To move to a positive shift in the ECEC environment we need to look at reporting that helps families understand failures and recognise quality. The government is to be held accountable  and to demonstrate what they are doing about the gaps in protection and educators need to be continually recognised for the work that they do well. 

Fiona Alston is Editor of The Sector. This article draws on her experience in early childhood operations, quality, compliance and leadership.