On the Friday before Teacher Appreciation Day, education ministers from our federal, state, and territory governments met in Sydney. Their emphasis was on immediate safety issues facing the childcare and early education workforce. The meeting concluded with unanimous agreement to pursue a wide-ranging set of safety reforms. These reforms go after the standards that have been inadequate for the last seven years.
These reforms are a welcome response to increasing outrage over the mistreatment of children in these facilities. The ministers recognized the urgent need for action, giving childcare centres a six-month period to enhance their safety measures or risk losing government funding.
Of their most important initiatives rolled out, the federal government will be testing adding security cameras in hundreds of childcare facilities across the country. This measure is an important tool to deter misconduct and help law enforcement investigate any incidents in the unlikely case that they do arise. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare emphasized the significance of this approach, stating, “The police tell us that this can be an important aspect in deterring bad behaviour and where bad behaviour does occur, it can be important in their investigation to catch the crooks afterwards.”
The new measures will bring in a national ban on mobile phones in childcare centres from this September. They will require the installation of controversial surveillance infrastructure. This smart ban will keep kids focused on their studies and help foster a safer environment for kids to learn.
Establishing a large-scale, mandatory national child safety training program for all childcare workers goes into these reforms. This training equips staff with the tools needed to build key skill sets. Most importantly, it gives them the tools to protect the safety and health of the children in their care. This is not the end — this is the next thing that we have to do,” said Minister Clare. The sad truth is that this work is cyclical. Look, nefarious folks will always be out there working to gamify the system and find its weakest link.
The federal government has moved against 37 early childhood centres for not meeting basic safety standards. This move makes clear how dire the situation has gotten. The ministers are calling for urgent action to improve the situation. They emphasize that implementation of these new guidelines is critical to receiving future funds and protecting all children.
For those looking for help and advice from the effects of sexual abuse, these organizations can provide helpful services. Bravehearts can be reached on 1800 272 831, and Blue Knot provides support at 1300 657 380. Lifeline offers crisis support over the phone by calling 13 11 14 or by texting 0477 13 11 14. You can reach the Suicide Call Back Service by calling 1300 659 467. If you or your child needs support, contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
