Yesterday, the Victorian government released the Rapid Child Safety Review (Review) in response to recent allegations of child abuse in childcare centres. The Review provided for 22 recommendations which have a broad focus on supporting all relevant stakeholders within the early childhood sector including childcare providers, parents, childcare workers and regulators. The Victorian government has committed to adopting all 22 recommendations arising from the Review.
Changes to the Regulators
The Victorian Government response to the Review (the Response) commits to establishing a new, ‘independent, nation-leading regulator’ called the Early Childhood Education and Care Regulator (ECEC) (R13). It appears that the ECEC will take the place of Quality Assessment and Regulation Division (QARD).
Concurrently, the Victorian Response commits to strengthening the Social Services Regulator and consolidating the administration of the WWCC Scheme, Reportable Conduct Scheme, and Child Safe Standards education and guidance (currently with Working with Children Check Victoria and CCYP respectively) under its wing to strengthen the ‘safety net’.
New Mechanisms of Monitoring and Enforcement
The Response commits to legislating a Victorian Early Childhood Worker Register in October 2025 and establishing the scheme within six months. The ECEC will take a leading role in conducting site visits (including regular, unannounced site visits at least once every twelve months).
At a national level, the Response calls for sweeping reform:
• An ability for regulators to deregister individuals based on an assessment of their suitability for ECEC settings;
• A national approach to WWCC laws and national data base;
• A material increase to maximum penalty amounts under the National Law;
• Improvement on ECEC training and placements (and strong ASQA powers to address poor-quality registered training organizations);
• Mandatory child safe training for all people involved in ECECC under National Law;
• A national trial of CCTV in early childhood education and care settings.
Strengthening of Existing Victorian Schemes
The reforms aim to improve capabilities to assess and address risks in conjunction with other regulatory schemes (e.g., social services, disability and aged care) so that assessors have evidence-based tools, training and resources to increase the rigor of screening the sector.
Under the proposed reforms:
- applicants will be required to complete child safety training and testing before being granted a WWCC; and
- the WWCC Scheme will be resourced to undertake more manual assessments and interventions and given access to increased amounts of intelligence for both new and renewing applications. Among other things, decision makers assessing WWCC clearance will be able to take into consideration unsubstantiated conduct allegations, and reviews of WWCC refusals will no longer be able to go through VCAT but will be subject to a dedicated review process.
Obligations on organisations
The Response commits to legislative change which will require organisations to demonstrate they have an active understanding of each worker’s history, including ‘tracking movement’ across workplaces and sectors.
Provisions for Consumers
The reforms have also considered the consumer. The Response commits to improvements to the rating certificates for services, increased publication of compliance and enforcement activity, and increased education, advice, and guidance for parents to assist with identifying signs and raising concerns.
As new legislation is introduced over the coming months, many details remain to be worked through. The Victorian Government also faces limitations in its ability to compel reform at the Commonwealth level. While corporate providers have drawn public criticism, it appears that all providers — including not-for-profits — will be required to move quickly to implement change.
Moores is committed to supporting the sector through this transition, with our team of leading experts in education and safeguarding. We will continue to provide updates and host information sessions as developments unfold.
How we can help
At Moores, our Safeguarding and Child Safety teams work alongside organisations to ensure their child safety frameworks are robust, compliant, and reflective of best practice. Our experienced team supports clients to:
- Review and update Child Safety Policies and Codes of Conduct;
- Respond effectively to allegations of child abuse;
- Navigate investigations and compliance obligations; and
- Develop practical, preventative strategies that promote a culture of child safety.
We also provide tailored training for staff, boards, and child safety officers to ensure all individuals understand their role in protecting children.
Contact us
If you would like to discuss how we can support your organisation, our education and safeguarding teams are here to help. Please contact Cecelia Irvine-So or Skye Rose if you would like further support.
View our dedicated page on the Childcare and Early Education Reforms and subscribe to receive updates directly in your inbox.