Starting September 26, all childcare providers in Victoria will be required to adopt a strict ban on personal smartphones. Non-compliance could result in fines up to $50,000 and alterations to licensing conditions. Although personal device bans exist within national frameworks, enforcement has previously relied on individual centers—a shortfall the government is now determined to rectify.
Premier Jacinta Allan stated, “Families cannot wait. We’ll be putting all Victorian childcare centres on notice.”
In the wake of horrifying allegations against a Melbourne childcare worker, the Victorian Government has announced sweeping reforms aimed at tightening safety protocols across the early childhood education sector.
At the center of the controversy is 26-year-old Joshua Dale Brown, accused of sexually abusing eight children aged between five months and two years and possessing child abuse material. Brown’s extensive employment history across 20 childcare centers since 2017 has ignited nationwide concern about regulatory gaps and safeguarding measures.
Systemic Failures and Urgent Reforms
The Victorian Government will commission an immediate review into the sector, with a short, high-impact focus on actionable safety improvements. Plans are also underway to create a statewide register of childcare workers—a move supported at the federal level to enable stricter tracking and vetting.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare acknowledged that safeguarding progress had been “too slow,” with existing systems like the Working with Children Check found lacking. Currently, prohibition notices that ban individuals from working in childcare are not factored into clearance assessments—a loophole slated for closure by August.
National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds weighed in, stating, “We haven’t closed the holes despite many recommendations. This won’t be the last time unless we urgently act now.”
Wider Health Implications and Ongoing Investigations
The Victorian Health Department has recommended STI testing for approximately 1200 children who may have come into contact with Brown in previous childcare roles, out of an abundance of caution. Investigations are expanding into other centers where Brown was employed, with the early childhood regulator now tasked with reviewing operator conduct.
Brown, who had no prior criminal record and held a valid Working with Children Check, is scheduled to face court on September 15.
Further Reading
Victoria Moves to Strengthen Child Safety with Overhaul of Working with Children Checks
Over 1,200 Children Urged to Undergo Health Screening Following Melbourne Childcare Worker Charges
Reference:
Phone Ban, $50,000 fines: Victoria Clamps Down On Childcare Centres After Abuse Allegations Emerge
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