The National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse welcomes the announcement by the Australian Government that it is considering the development of a national Early Education and Care Commission.
Last year, the National Centre raised concerns about systemic failures across Australia’s childcare system which have allowed child sexual abuse to occur in environments that are meant to nurture and protect children. We urged unified national action on child safety in early childhood education and care settings.
Our blueprint for change sets out actions needed to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse in these settings – including the establishment of a national Early Childhood Education and Care Commission. This should be an independent body with the powers and resourcing to lead and coordinate national reforms across all states and territories.
We are pleased to hear the government intends to consult with the sector and other stakeholders on the best way forward. This should include centring the expertise of people with lived experience of child sexual abuse.
We have also recommended dedicated leadership through:
- a Cabinet Minister for Children
- stronger regulation, independent monitoring and oversight
- a review of the early childhood education and care system to ensure it prioritises safety and considers the funding and market model.
The National Centre stands ready to work with governments, regulators, the sector and those with lived and living experience to strengthen the frameworks that protect children from child sexual abuse in these – and all – settings.
We look forward to Education Ministers progressing these critical reforms when they meet in July.
