In a landmark move to strengthen child safety in early learning environments, the Australian government has announced a national trial of CCTV cameras across up to 300 childcare centres. The initiative, endorsed by federal, state, and territory education ministers, is set to begin in October or November 2025.
Education Minister Jason Clare described the trial as an “essential component” of broader reforms to protect children in care. While acknowledging that CCTV is “not a silver bullet,” Clare emphasized its value in:
- Deterring misconduct
- Supporting investigations into incidents
- Enhancing transparency in supervision practices
The trial will explore:
- Optimal camera placement within centres
- Data ownership and storage protocols
- Cybersecurity safeguards to prevent footage breaches
Funding and Oversight
- Small and medium not-for-profit centres will receive federal funding to participate.
- The trial will be designed and reviewed by an external organization, with support from:
- The Australian Centre for Child Protection
- The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)
Centres already planning to install cameras will be included in the pilot.
Sector Perspectives
Australia’s largest not-for-profit provider, Goodstart Early Learning, is already trialling CCTV. CEO Ros Baxter welcomed the initiative but stressed that educator-to-child ratios, professional development, and a strong reporting culture remain the most critical factors in ensuring child safety.
Minister Clare acknowledged privacy concerns, particularly the risk of footage being hacked or misused. He emphasized the need for robust protections and clear protocols to ensure that surveillance does not compromise children’s dignity or data security.
The CCTV trial represents a significant step in Australia’s evolving approach to early childhood safety. By combining technological oversight with regulatory reform, the initiative aims to build greater trust and accountability across the sector. As the trial unfolds, educators, families, and policymakers will be watching closely to ensure that safety measures are both effective and ethically sound.
Reference:
ABC News Australia – CCTV Trial For Childcare Centres