Victorian Premier commissions urgent review into early childhood safety
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has ordered a swift and comprehensive review into the safety of early childhood education settings, following disturbing abuse allegations involving Melbourne childcare worker Joshua Brown. Despite holding a valid Working With Children check, Brown reportedly worked across 20 centres, raising serious concerns about existing safeguards.
Inquiry to deliver recommendations on background checks and monitoring
The inquiry, led by Pamela White and Jay Weatherill, is set to deliver recommendations by 15 August. Key areas of focus include strengthening background checks for childcare workers, enhancing CCTV monitoring in early learning centres, and improving cross-provider information sharing to prevent individuals from moving undetected between facilities.
Immediate action: Ban on personal devices and new educator register
In response to the allegations, the Victorian government has immediately banned personal devices in all childcare centres. Work has also commenced on establishing a public register for early childhood educators, aiming to boost transparency and accountability across the sector.
Government prioritises child safety and sector reform
The review is part of a broader effort to restore trust in Victoria’s early childhood education system and ensure the highest standards of child protection. The government has emphasised its commitment to acting on the inquiry’s recommendations and implementing reforms to strengthen safety for all children in care.
