- Deb Tsorbaris is urging nationally consistent child safety standards and stronger oversight across all early childhood services.
- The Commissioner has renewed calls for a dedicated federal Minister for Children to coordinate action on children’s wellbeing.
- Sue-Anne Hunter highlighted the need for greater support and funding for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
National Children’s Commissioner Deb Tsorbaris says reports of violence against babies and toddlers in early childhood care settings are deeply disturbing and unacceptable and demonstrate the urgent need for consistent child safety protections across Australia.
While significant reforms have been introduced across the sector, serious safety and quality failures continue in some services, including those which fall outside the national quality framework. It is essential that all services are regulated and scrutinised by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority .
National Children’s Commissioner Deb Tsorbaris has called for a coordinated national approach to ensure consistent standards of care for children in every part of Australia. This includes the Australian Government establishing a dedicated Minister for Children.
‘Despite children being affected by decisions across multiple portfolios, responsibility for their safety and wellbeing remains fragmented. A standalone Minister for Children would provide clear national leadership, strengthen accountability, and drive coordinated action across education, health, child protection, housing, disability and justice systems.
‘A Minister for Children could drive a whole-of-government approach to children and ensure that children’s rights and interests are considered in every major policy decision.’
Commissioner Tsorbaris said every child has the right to grow up in environments that are safe, nurturing and free from violence.
‘The offences reported by the ABC are distressing. Families place enormous trust in early learning services. They have every right to expect that when they leave their child in any early childhood care setting, their child will be safe, respected and protected from harm.
‘Children rely on adults and institutions to keep them safe. When safeguards fail, it is children who bear the consequences.
‘Australia needs strong, nationally consistent safeguards that prevent abuse, support early identification of risks and ensure swift action when concerns arise.
The story raises concerns that reports are still not handled with urgency and that there remains a lack of accountability to parents and carers.
‘Governments must also ensure adequate resourcing and support for community-led childcare and education organisations, particularly in very remote settings.’
National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Sue-Anne Hunter said that children, no matter their background, should be safe in childcare. ‘What is essential is an urgent need to address the lack of funding for our Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to ensure they have the resources they need to support the children and communities they operate in.’
‘Every child deserves to grow, learn and play in an environment that is safe, supportive and free from harm.’
