Amid a surge in allegations of sexual offences within the childcare sector, NSW Police are urging parents to bypass childcare centre directors and report concerns directly to law enforcement. The warning comes as a parliamentary inquiry exposes serious lapses in child safety protocols across the industry.
Commander Linda Howlett of the NSW Police Child Abuse Squad stated that some childcare centres may prioritize business interests over child safety. She cautioned that directors might tip off staff about allegations to avoid reputational damage, thereby compromising investigations.
“They’re tipping off the educator or the centre about what’s taken place,” Howlett said, emphasizing the need for direct police involvement.
The inquiry also revealed that some centres are ignoring mandatory Working With Children Checks when hiring staff. These checks are designed to prevent individuals with histories of abuse from working with children, but enforcement appears inconsistent.
The revelations affect nearly 500,000 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in care across New South Wales. The inquiry has prompted renewed calls for stronger safeguards, better oversight, and a cultural shift toward transparency and accountability in early childhood services.
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Parents Urged To Go To Police With Childcare Concerns