UPDATE: Childcare centers across Australia will now close early, at 5 PM, five times a year for mandatory safety training, following alarming scandals in the sector. This urgent measure comes in response to recent charges against a childcare worker, Joshua Dale Brown, who is accused of sexually abusing eight children under the age of two.
The federal government has allocated $40 million to support these closures and the essential training. Jess Walsh, Australia’s Early Childhood Education Minister, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This is a sensible way for providers to manage new mandatory safety training.” The training aims to empower educators to identify and report concerning behaviors promptly, enhancing the safety of children in their care.
While officials acknowledge that this change may disrupt some families, they are committed to providing adequate notice in advance of the closures. “We understand this may be a nuisance,” Walsh added, “but it is essential for creating a safer environment for our kids.”
This new policy is part of broader reforms initiated by Australia’s education ministers in light of the troubling allegations against Brown, who worked at 24 facilities from 2017 to 2025. The reforms include launching a CCTV trial in up to 300 centers and implementing a national register of childcare workers. Additionally, a new national continuous checking capability will enable real-time monitoring of working with children checks, ensuring that alleged offenders cannot evade scrutiny for extended periods.
These developments are crucial as they reflect a commitment to improving child safety standards across the country. Parents and guardians are urged to stay informed about these changes and the impact they may have on childcare availability.
WHAT’S NEXT: Look for updates on the rollout of these safety training sessions and further details on the CCTV trials in the coming weeks. As the situation unfolds, officials stress that ongoing monitoring and reform will be a priority to protect the welfare of children in childcare settings.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates as Australia takes significant steps to bolster childcare safety amid rising concerns.
