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Every child deserves to be safe and protected from harm - especially in early learning environments. 

UNICEF Australia is deeply concerned by the recent revelations of serious and systemic failures in the protection of children within Australia’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) system. The findings of multiple investigations highlight unacceptable instances of abuse, misconduct, and regulatory gaps that have left children vulnerable in environments meant to nurture and protect them. 

Every child has the right to grow up in a safe, supportive, and empowering environment. The voices of children and families who have bravely come forward must be heard, and their safety must be prioritised.  

UNICEF Australia has been advocating for stronger national oversight and accountability in the ECEC sector. In our recent submission to the Child Safety Review, we called for a nationally consistent regulatory framework aligned with the National Quality Framework (NQF), including uniform standards for compliance, enforcement, and reporting. We also support the establishment of an independent statutory body to monitor child safety across all care and residential services in Australia. 

We welcome recent commitments by Education Ministers to strengthen child safety measures, including mandatory 24-hour reporting of abuse allegations and stronger protections around digital technology use. These reforms are a step in the right direction, but more must be done to ensure that no child is left behind. 

UNICEF Australia urges the Federal Government to take coordinated national action to safeguard children in all early learning settings. This includes: 

  • Establishing a statutory, independent body tasked with monitoring child safety across all early childhood education and care services in Australia. 
  • Establishing a national approach to Working with Children Checks with consistent eligibility criteria and renewal periods. 
  • Ensuring that the voices of children, families, and frontline workers are central to reform efforts. 
  • Developing a National Plan for Children to support a coordinated, whole-of-government strategy that places children at the centre of policy and planning. 

We remain committed to working with governments, service providers, and communities to build a universal, high-quality ECEC system that places children’s rights, safety, and wellbeing at its core. 

Australia must be the best place in the world for children to grow up. That starts with ensuring every child is safe, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. 

2 July 2025