Detectives have intensified their investigation into potential abuse at multiple daycare centers, following the arrest of a childcare worker, known as Brown, in Victoria. The Victorian government has mandated an inquiry by the early childhood regulator into the operations of the childcare centers where Brown was employed. Despite possessing a valid Working With Children Check and no prior criminal record, Brown was apprehended on May 12, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current screening processes.
The announcement comes as Education Minister Jason Clare emphasized that while the Working With Children Check system is under review, it is not infallible. “This alleged perpetrator had no criminal record,” Clare stated during an interview with ABC, highlighting the need for improvements across the country.
Government Response and Systemic Flaws
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced an “initial review” of the Working With Children Check system earlier this year, with changes set to be implemented in August. “We’ve already undertaken a rapid review that commenced in April, and changes are being introduced from next month around strengthening the worker screening,” Allan reiterated on Tuesday. The premier acknowledged that while applicants undergo “rigorous screening processes,” the system requires further fortification.
Currently, the system does not consider prohibition notices, which prevent individuals from working in schools or daycares, when assessing an applicant’s eligibility for a Working With Children Check. This limitation is expected to be addressed in the upcoming reforms in Victoria.
“We haven’t closed those holes despite many recommendations from numerous inquiries. And so, yes, this is going to happen again, it won’t be the last time, unless we urgently act on this now,” said National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds, criticizing the childcare system for its repeated failures.
National and Expert Perspectives
Victorian Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn noted that states and territories are collaborating with the Commonwealth to enhance the national childcare framework, amid concerns over its inadequacies. Last Friday, education ministers from across the nation convened to discuss safety in early childhood settings and the progress of ongoing reforms.
According to Blandthorn, “We did also commit to having another meeting in September to bring forward much of the work plan that, in the view of jurisdictions, and I expressed this view myself, is moving too slow.” She has advocated for a national registration system for early education workers, akin to the Victorian Institute of Teaching for school teachers.
Her call has been supported by various stakeholders, including Kathleen Maltzahn, CEO of Sexual Assault Services Victoria, who urged for enhanced regulation and oversight. Maltzahn insists that early childhood educators should register with professional bodies and that no childcare worker should be left alone with a child. She also called for specific safeguarding protocols for “high-risk” tasks such as toileting.
“Our response is vital. Experts know that lasting impact is usually caused when children don’t get the help they need after sexual harm. Where parents and authorities respond well, children can and do recover, heal, and thrive,” Maltzahn stated in response to Brown’s charges.
Future Directions and Legislative Changes
Acting Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People Meena Singh stressed the importance of regulatory systems meeting the needs of children and young people. “The Victorian Parliament’s Betrayal of Trust Inquiry, and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse demonstrated that action is urgently needed,” Singh emphasized.
Under national guidelines updated last year, childcare providers can voluntarily adopt a code that prohibits phone use in centers. New regulations set to be introduced in September will require providers to establish policies for the safe use of devices and reduce the timeframe for reporting suspected abuse from seven days to just 24 hours.
Meanwhile, a recent review in New South Wales recommended granting the state’s regulator the authority to mandate security camera installations in childcare facilities. NSW has already announced a trial of this measure.
Brown is scheduled to appear in court on September 15, as the nation grapples with the implications of these revelations and works towards strengthening child safety measures.
