AEU WELCOMES CHILDCARE SAFETY LEGISLATION

The Australian Education Union has today welcomed the passing of the Early Childhood Education and Care (Strengthening Regulation of Early Education) Bill 2025 as a first step, following distressing reports of abuse in early childhood education and care (ECEC).

AEU Deputy Federal President Meredith Peace said this legislation is one measure that will contribute to the urgent and systemic reform needed to restore community confidence in the ECEC system and to ensure the safety, care and education of every child.

“The AEU is deeply distressed by the recent allegations of abuse in early childhood education and care settings. Early Learning is important for children’s development and every parent must be able to place their trust in safe, secure and supported early learning environments,” Ms Peace said.

“The changes are welcome, but if we want to ensure we are embedding child safe practices and minimising risk to all children, the practice of under the roof ratio’s needs to cease, the threshold for quality standards needs to be lifted, and the workforce needs to be qualified, professionally paid and well supported.”

“If funding does cease for providers who are not delivering safe, high-quality education and care, dedicated support and resources must be provided for the workforce, children and families.”

Ms Peace said it was essential that the assessments used to determine safety breaches are robust and comprehensive, and that regulatory authorities are empowered and well-resourced to enforce quality and safety standards effectively.

“Regulatory authorities must be highly visible, properly funded, and have the powers they need to ensure compliance and uphold child safety, beyond entering facilities unannounced,” she said.

“Consistency in regulation and safety enforcement across all early education and care settings is vital.”

Ms Peace also stressed that the majority of early childhood teachers and educators are dedicated, highly trained professionals who are deeply committed to the safety and wellbeing of children.

“What these teachers and educators need now is support, not just in safety reforms, but in meaningful improvements to their pay, conditions, and resourcing,” Ms Peace said.

The AEU is calling for reforms that put children’s educational and developmental needs above profit, and that ensure safe, high-quality care through increased public investment and further commitment by governments to the public provision of early childhood education.

“We have an opportunity now to strengthen the ECEC system, not just to prevent harm, but to create an environment where every child can thrive and every teacher and educator can work with dignity and security,” Ms Peace said.

ENDS

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Kylie Jensen – 0402 298 728