In a landmark move to strengthen child safety and regulatory oversight, the Australian government is preparing to roll out five major reforms across early childhood education centres. These changes, expected to take effect within months, aim to address longstanding gaps in compliance, transparency, and sector accountability.
5 Major Changes To Childcare In Australia
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National Staff Register: A national staff register will be established to track childcare workers across the country, with pilot implementation starting in December 2025 and full implementation from February 2026.
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Mandatory Child Safety Training: All childcare workers will be required to undergo mandatory national child safety training from 2026.
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National Childcare Worker Database: A national childcare worker database will be created to ensure that all workers are vetted and safe to work with children.
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Compliance Crackdown: A strict enforcement of compliance with the National Quality Standards, including a "banned in one, banned in all" Working With Children Check system.
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Ban on Mobile Phones: A nationwide ban on mobile phones within childcare centres will take effect from September 2025.
These reforms signal a shift toward more proactive, data-driven regulation. For sector leaders, the changes may require:
- Operational adjustments to meet new safety benchmarks
- Documentation updates aligned with revised compliance frameworks
- Staff training on new protocols and reporting systems
- Advocacy opportunities to shape implementation and ensure reforms reflect real-world sector challenges
While official commentary is pending, early childhood advocates have long called for a national register and stronger safeguards. These reforms may reflect growing public and political momentum to prioritize child safety and educator well-being.
References:
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