The allegations that will be exposed in tonight’s Four Corners investigation are deeply distressing and will shock many Australians. Every instance of child sexual abuse represents an appalling failure of the systems designed to protect children – the impacts of which are lifelong.
The National Centre recognises the courage of the victims and survivors and their families who have come forward to share their experiences. Their stories must be a turning point for reform.
We have long called for stronger, nationally consistent measures to safeguard children across early childhood education and care, including a mandatory workforce registration system, improved information sharing between states and territories and stronger national oversight of child safety standards.
These shocking allegations uncovered by ABC prove why those reforms are so urgently needed. Child safety cannot depend on jurisdictional boundaries or voluntary measures but must be a shared national responsibility.
Every child deserves to be safe. Every parent deserves confidence that the people caring for their children are properly screened, trained and supported.
The National Centre stands ready to work with governments, regulators and the sector to strengthen the frameworks that protect children and prevent harm.
