UPDATE: The Victoria government has just announced urgent legislation to overhaul child safety regulations following a shocking review that exposed significant failures in the state’s childcare system. Premier Jacinta Allan revealed this critical reform during a press conference on Tuesday, emphasizing that swift action is necessary to protect children in the wake of a devastating abuse scandal involving former childcare worker Joshua Brown.
In a bold move, Allan stated, “We are bringing into the parliament today new laws to immediately suspend working with children’s checks for individuals who are under reassessment.” The parliament will convene with the intent to pass these reforms without delay, reflecting the government’s commitment to child safety.
This announcement follows a rapid review that found systemic failures in Victoria’s childcare oversight, revealing that the watchdogs responsible for child safety were compromising protections due to poor information sharing, legal limitations, and chronic underfunding. The review was initiated after Brown was charged with 73 counts of child abuse, including sexually penetrating children and producing child abuse material, affecting eight children in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Allan expressed her deep concern over the findings, stating, “This sickens me as premier. It also sickens me as a mum.” She also apologized to families affected by the abuse, acknowledging the system’s profound shortcomings.
The government has accepted all 22 recommendations from the report, which includes the establishment of a new independent early childhood regulator by the end of 2025. This regulatory body will conduct compliance checks at least once a year, significantly increasing oversight from the current frequency.
Further reforms to the working with children check (WWCC) scheme will mandate child safety training for all applicants and streamline the process for authorities to revoke or suspend checks. The existing system, deemed “not fit for purpose,” will be restructured to improve flexibility and effectiveness.
The Australian Children’s Foundation has welcomed the government’s rapid response, recognizing the urgent need for reform to protect vulnerable children.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the parliament to see how quickly these essential changes can be enacted. The immediate future of Victoria’s childcare system hinges on this urgent legislative push, aimed at restoring trust and safety for families across the state.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
