In short:
Victoria has launched a $42 million child safety overhaul in response to the Joshua Brown childcare abuse scandal. The reforms include tougher Working With Children Checks, a new regulator and mandatory safety training.
$42m overhaul to restore trust
The Victorian Government has announced a $42 million child safety overhaul after police confirmed childcare worker Joshua Brown allegedly worked across 23 centres, sparking one of the state’s most confronting child abuse investigations.
The case has exposed major gaps in staffing records, forcing detectives to recover rosters and verify employment histories across dozens of childcare centres. Families across Victoria continue to be contacted as part of the high-priority investigation.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the Government was moving urgently. “I will do everything in my power as Premier to make sure child safety comes first – that’s why we’re announcing a child safety overhaul,” she said.
Response to abuse scandal
The overhaul accepts all 22 recommendations of the Rapid Child Safety Review, which was commissioned following revelations about the Brown case. The review highlighted weaknesses in oversight and called for stronger safeguards across Victoria’s early childhood education sector.
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said the reforms were about closing loopholes. “By strengthening the scheme, we’re sending a clear message that any risk to child safety will not be tolerated anywhere,” she said.
What changes will be made
Key reforms include:
Immediate suspension powers for Working With Children Checks
A new regulator to more than double compliance checks across centres
Expanded Social Services Regulator powers to consider intelligence and unsubstantiated allegations
Mandatory child safety training for all childcare workers
Professional support for staff and families to identify and report grooming or abuse
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said, “These changes will enable us to better share information across settings where children are cared for, learn and play – so that they are safe.”
Push for national action
The Allan Government is also pressing the Commonwealth to introduce higher penalties for breaches of the National Law, establish a national worker register, and lead a ten-year reform strategy for childcare safety.
Jacinta Allan said Victoria could not act alone. “This is a national system that requires a national response, and we’ll keep working with the Federal Government to deliver it.”
Parents, carers and staff concerned about child safety in early learning services are urged to contact the Regulatory Authority on 1300 307 415. Reports can be made anonymously.
