CCTV cameras will be installed in childcare centres across New South Wales as part of a broader effort to strengthen child safety and accountability across the sector. These cameras will be strategically placed in shared areas such as play zones, sleep rooms, and entry points—ensuring that children's experiences and educator practices are visible and transparent.
As of now, CCTV installation is not yet mandated for all NSW childcare centres, but it is a key part of the government’s broader child safety reform agenda. Initial rollout targets centres with compliance issues.
Targeted Rollout First
- The NSW Government has committed to installing CCTV in centres with serious compliance concerns or those under investigation.
- These services will likely be prioritised in the initial phase of implementation.
Future Expansion Likely
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The reforms are designed to set a new national benchmark, and NSW is encouraging other states to follow suit.
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Over time, it’s expected that more centres will be required to install CCTV, especially as the new independent regulator gains oversight powers.
No Blanket Requirement Yet
- There is no official mandate (as of late June 2025) requiring every childcare centre in NSW to install CCTV.
- However, the direction of policy suggests a progressive move toward broader adoption, particularly in high-risk or larger services.
Purpose of CCTV Installation
- The initiative is part of a broader safety reform following an independent review that found the NSW childcare regulator lacked transparency in handling compliance breaches.
- CCTV aims to enhance accountability, support investigations, and rebuild public trust in early childhood education and care services.
- Enhance child safety and well-being across all services.
- Improve accountability and investigation processes for compliance breaches.
- Increase transparency within the early childhood sector.
Where Will Cameras Be Installed?
- Common spaces such as:
- Entry/exit points
- Play areas
- Sleep rooms
- Shared indoor/outdoor zones
- Private areas (e.g. bathrooms, nappy-changing spaces) will be excluded to respect privacy.
Who Oversees Footage?
A newly appointed regulator/watchdog will have:
- Access to secure, cloud-based systems
- Authority to review footage for investigations and serious complaints
Family Communication
Families must be informed if:
- The service is under investigation for serious breaches
- Footage reviews are triggered by complaints or compliance checks
Regulatory Backing
The NSW Government is empowering a new watchdog with the authority to install and control CCTV systems in centres.
Footage can be reviewed to assist with investigating complaints or serious incidents.
Privacy Considerations
- Cameras will not be placed in private areas such as toilets or changing cubicles.
- Placement will focus on entry/exit points, play areas, sleep rooms, and common zones to ensure safety without breaching privacy laws.
Further Reading
NSW Inquiry Set To Investigate Concerning Practices, Safety Breaches Following ABC Four Corners Investigation
Centre Shutdown Over Allegations Of Safety Breaches And Children Eating Scraps Off The Floor
G8 Education Faces Allegations of Safety Breaches & Misconduct As NSW Department Of Education Discloses Hundreds Of Pages Of Documentation
Reference:
The Queenslander: “CCTV cameras in childcare amid surge in safety breaches”