Australia are introducing a new National Childcare Commission to protect the safety of the children entering childcare in their early years. More than 1 million families rely on childcare support in Australia so that they can work and the safety of the children needs more attention.

$226 million has been invested to raise standards of safety across the childcare sector in Australia. An Early Education and Care Commission have been recommended to reform the current Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). The government are holding a consultation to ensure that important stakeholders such as service providers, parents and unions have their say on how best to protect the safety of the children.

The hope is that the commission will help ensure early learning services are located where families need them most and support strong standards across the sector. A National Early Childhood Worker Register, mandatory child safety training and national CCTV trial in centres have already been implemented. There is also going to be unannounced spot checks and the banning of personal mobile phones and devices in the centres. These are long-term improvements that will hopefully have a big impact of the safety and development of the children in childcare in Australia.

1. Why is Australia considering creating a National Early Education and Care Commission?

2. What reforms are being discussed alongside the new childcare commission?

3. Why are some critics opposed to the new national childcare commission?