Major providers face enforcement action as regulators step in over safety concerns

In Victoria, the newly established Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) has filed five charges against G8 Education Limited over an incident at Community Kids Hoppers Crossing Early Education Centre, where a child with diagnosed disabilities exited the service unaccompanied and was later found in the middle of a busy road.

VECRA has charged the provider under multiple provisions of the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, including breaches related to:

• supervision (section 165)
• protection from harm and hazards (section 167)
• implementation of programs (section 168)
• conditions on service approval (section 51)
• premises designed to ensure safety (regulation 103).

If proven, the charges could result in a fine issued to the national provider, with a potential aggregate penalty of $197,300.

G8 Education has acknowledged the charges filed by VECRA. In a statement, the provider reaffirmed its commitment to safety and noted the serious nature of the allegations. “While these incidents occurred several years ago, the circumstances described are deeply concerning and do not reflect the standards we, and families in our centres, demand in the delivery of early childhood education and care services,” a spokesperson said. G8 Education confirmed it is aware of multiple charges laid under Victorian law and respects the role of the regulator in ensuring providers meet their obligations to protect children from harm. As legal proceedings are now underway, the provider has indicated it will not comment further on the specifics of the case.

G8 Education plays a significant role in Australia’s ECEC landscape. The latest regulatory actions highlight the importance of transparent reporting, rigorous oversight and a sustained commitment to child safety, principles enshrined in the National Quality Framework and critical to maintaining public trust.

This development comes amid heightened expectations around governance and executive accountability across the sector alongside the current NSW Parliamentary enquiry. 

For large national providers, regulatory action not only tests compliance systems but also leadership oversight, organisational culture and the effectiveness of internal escalation processes when serious concerns are raised by staff and families.

As governments move to increase transparency through public reporting of enforcement data, regulators and families alike are placing greater emphasis on how providers respond to risk, learn from incidents and demonstrate accountability in practice.