Allan has committed to implementing all of the recommendations, ensuring a $42 million funding boost to assist the shake-up.
Share and Follow

The Victorian government has announced a child safety overhaul after an independent review revealed systemic failings, underfunding and outdated practices within the early education sector.
Jacinta Allan’s government commissioned the Rapid Child Safety Review six weeks ago, after serious allegations of child sexual abuse by former childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown.

The report was delivered to the government on Friday, making 22 recommendations, including strengthening Work with Children Checks, which the report found were not fit for purpose.

Allan has committed to implementing all of the recommendations, ensuring a $42 million funding boost to assist the shake-up.
Allan has committed to implementing all of the recommendations, ensuring a $42 million funding boost to assist the shake-up. (Nine)

Mandatory online child safety testing and training was recommended for everyone with a Working with Children Check.

Allan has committed to implementing all of the recommendations, ensuring a $42 million funding boost to assist the shake-up.

“The recent allegations of shocking abuse in childcare centres have exposed a system that simply isn’t working,” Allan said.

“This sickens me not just as a Premier, but as a mum.

“Legislation will be introduced into Parliament next week to immediately suspend Working with Children Checks when an individual is under police investigation and will speed up mandatory training for staff to make sure every safety concern is heard and addressed,” Allan said.

It’s hoped the revamp will see more frequent inspections at childcare centres across the state, with a goal for all centres to be visited unannounced once a year.

The report recommended the establishment of an independent regulator which would more than double the frequency of compliance checks.

More than half the recommendations were aimed at the state government, but the review stressed a national approach was needed to rebuild the broken system.

Allan said she would advocate to the Commonwealth government for immediate changes to national legislation, including imposing higher penalties on operators who breach national laws.

“As the Rapid Child Safety Review has found: The actions of Victoria alone will not fix the quality and safety issues in early childhood education and care,” Allan said.

“We will keep working with the Federal Government to deliver the national reforms families expect and deserve.”

The report stopped short of calling for CCTV in childcare centres but suggested a national trial.

State, territory and federal ministers will meet this Friday to discuss a collaborative approach to the issue on a national level.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
How much video gaming is too much? Study pinpoints health limit

Discover the Healthy Limit for Video Gaming: New Study Reveals Optimal Playtime

Video games might not rot your brain – but new evidence suggests…
Alarm bells over scale of unreported sexual harassment at work

Shocking Revelation: Unreported Workplace Sexual Harassment Reaches Alarming Levels

Recent research has uncovered troubling insights, revealing that despite strides in legal…
Queensland flood rescue

Emergency Rescues in North Queensland as Severe Flooding Strikes

Several people have been rescued as rising floodwaters impact already sodden parts…
Holidaygoers trapped in flash floods open up on moment 'tsunami' hit

Terrifying Flash Floods Trap Holidaygoers: Eyewitnesses Describe the Sudden ‘Tsunami’ Impact

Two holidaygoers caught in yesterday’s “tsunami” flash flood in Victoria have spoken…

Woman Accused in Alleged Stabbing Incident in Newcastle

A woman is scheduled to appear in court today on charges related…

Faith Leaders Urge Reevaluation of Hate Speech Legislation Due to Potential Unintended Consequences

Influential religious leaders have urged the prime minister to halt sweeping hate…
Jarvis Cocker, right, and Mark Webber, from left, and Candida Doyle, of the band Pulp.

British Band Pulp Rejoins Adelaide Festival Lineup After Initial Cancellation

British band Pulp has backflipped on its decision to cancel its performance…
Debris balls have washed up on several NSW beaches again, but authorities are unsure whether they are related to the ones that were previously found along dozens of Sydney beaches.

Significant Investment Allocated to Prevent Debris Accumulation on Sydney’s Beaches

Sydney’s wastewater system will be upgraded under a $3 billion plan following…