Streamlined child care approvals to cut red tape and fraud

The Morrison Government will cut red tape for child care services, saving businesses about $62 million a year while also providing greater protection against fraud.

Child care services will only have to submit one application to establish a new centre for assessment by Commonwealth and state/territory regulatory authorities, under the Government’s Deregulation Agenda.

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the change slashed duplication for services and improved co-operation between the Federal Government and states and territories.

“These changes will benefit up to 1,500, mostly small businesses, that establish new early childhood education and care services each year,” Mr Tehan said.

“The single streamlined process will strengthen the sharing of information between jurisdictions to deliver more effective and timely regulation.

“The Government’s Deregulation Agenda is about ensuring that where regulation exists, it is fit-for-purpose – making it easier to do business while ensuring essential safeguards with the lightest touch.

“The new single application process will also improve the policing of child care compliance by strengthening identity verification, a critical fraud control measure.

“This will reduce the risk of high-risk applicants entering the sector and reduce the risks to the community and costs to government associated with detecting and responding to fraud and non-compliance.

“Our Government has cracked down on child care fraud, since 2014 our enforcement efforts have prevented more than $3.1 billion of taxpayer money going to non-compliant operators.”

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