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Local Government supports strong child safety reforms in ECEC

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The local government sector plays a critical stewardship role in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). Like our communities, councils support reforms to improve child safety and strengthen regulatory oversight in ECEC.

The MAV – on behalf of the sector – commends the State Government for accepting all 22 recommendations of ECEC Rapid Review report, and will continue to advocate for investment in measures to enhance child safety across the sector

The MAV was pleased to see much of our submission mirrored in the review, with closely aligned recommendations, particularly the importance of:

  • Prioritising children’s rights and ensuring their safety and best interests
  • Strengthening the Working With Children Check (WWCC)
  • Establishing a national Early Childhood Workforce Register
  • Enhancing information sharing between agencies to identify risks early
  • Empowering parents and carers with better information and prevention education
  • Creating a new independent ECEC regulator to oversee safety and compliance.

MAV also supports the government’s national advocacy for tougher penalties and improved workforce tracking to further safeguard children.

MAV President Cr Jennifer Anderson said the reforms will only succeed with genuine collaboration between State and Local Government.

“We welcome the government’s strong response to the Rapid Review and look forward to working closely together to deliver safe, high-quality early years services for Victorian families.

Our sector shares the government’s commitment to immediate WWCC suspensions, mandatory child safety training, and doubling compliance checks demonstrates a strong stance on protecting children in early education settings, Cr Anderson said.

For more: Sean Rogasch | 0497 808 421 | srogasch@mav.asn.au