Government announces $11.5 million CCTV fund for not-for-profit early learning services

The Australian Government will establish an $11.5 million grants program to help not-for-profit early learning services install or upgrade CCTV, announced in a joint announcement from Education Ministers Jason Clare and Jess Walsh. The announcement follows a national assessment involving more than 300 services.

Announced on 8 November, the funding adds a practical investment commitment to the CCTV work considered by education ministers last week. Application dates, individual grant amounts and detailed eligibility requirements have not been included in the release.

Mr Clare said the government would support small not-for-profit services to install or upgrade cameras alongside continuing mandatory safety training. “This is encouraging but there is more work to do,” he said. 

National guidance to accompany CCTV use

Ministers also agreed to develop national best practice guidance covering the safe and effective installation, use and governance of CCTV in early childhood education and care (ECEC). The assessment found cameras could contribute to a broader safeguarding approach, while emphasising that they cannot replace active supervision by trained educators. 

For providers considering camera installations or upgrades, the forthcoming guidance and grant conditions will provide further detail about the government’s approach. The funding announcement does not establish a requirement for all early learning centres to install CCTV. 

Read the ministers’ announcement here.