The state government has announced it will spend $42 million on boosting safety in early childcare centres.
The first steps will involve implementing all 22 recommendations of the independent Rapid Child Safety Review that happened between the federal and state governments on August 15.
Legislation is set to follow at next week’s sitting of parliament that will allow for the immediate suspension of Working with Children’s Checks (WCCC).
The proposed laws will include a new regulator that will more than double the frequency of compliance checks, and bolstering the Social Services Regulator by merging several complaint and response bodies together.
They will also introduce a mandatory child safety training system and expand professional support programs.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the state government will use its power to ensure child safety comes first.
“I will do everything in my power as premier to make sure child safety comes first – that’s why we’re announcing a child safety overhaul.
“This is a national system that requires a national response, and we’ll keep working with the federal government to deliver it.”
Minister for children Lizzie Blandthorn said the reforms were crucial.
“Reforms to the early childhood education and care settings are crucial to ensuring Victorian children are cared for and learn in safe environments.
“These changes will enable us to better share information across settings where children are cared for, learn and play – so that they are safe.”
