Reforms aimed at enhancing safety within childcare and early education settings across Australia are set to be implemented by the end of the year. On December 1, 2023, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland will announce a significant investment of $37 million towards a nationwide initiative for improved monitoring of working with children checks (WWCC). This funding will facilitate the use of state and territory police databases, allowing for “near real-time” access to the criminal history information of check-holders.
The pilot program aims to be operational for states and territories by the end of December, with the expectation that this expedited system will enhance protective measures for children and young people. “We are progressing a coordinated and ambitious reform agenda to achieve meaningful consistency across jurisdictions for determining when a person is suitable to hold a WWCC and when they should be excluded,” Rowland stated.
The push for national reforms has intensified following the case of childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown, who was charged with sexually abusing eight children under the age of two. Brown had worked at 24 facilities between 2017 and 2025, highlighting significant gaps in the existing monitoring system.
In response to these concerns, federal, state, and territory education ministers convened a crisis meeting in August 2023, resulting in substantial progress towards national consistency in banning individuals who are deemed unsuitable. Five states and territories have already begun implementing measures to ensure that if a person is banned in one jurisdiction, they will be prohibited across the nation. The remaining three states and territories are expected to introduce similar legislation by the end of the year.
Despite these advancements, a fully national working with children check remains unfeasible at this stage. Rowland emphasized that further efforts are needed to standardize how risks are assessed and to determine the criteria for granting or denying working with children checks. “I look forward to continuing to work with my state and territory counterparts to deliver this ambitious reform agenda and ensure our children and young people are safe from harm,” she added.
For those seeking support, the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service can be reached at 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or 1800 211 028.
