The NSW government will launch a parliamentary inquiry into the childcare industry following alarming revelations of unsafe practices and regulatory failures.
The state’s upper house education committee unanimously backed the inquiry, which will examine the early childhood education and care sector, including the NSW regulator.
Greens MP Abigail Boyd, who will chair the inquiry, emphasized the urgency of addressing these concerns. “All week, my office has been inundated with support for urgent action, with industry insiders, parents, and carers demanding that these horrifying stories be brought to light,” she said.
The decision follows an ABC Four Corners investigation that exposed critical regulatory shortcomings and staff shortages, compromising the safety and well-being of infants and young children. National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds has called for a nationwide response, stating that the sector is in “desperate need of systemic reform.”
Child Australia has also urged swift government action, emphasizing the need for stronger compliance enforcement and systemic changes. Chief Executive Tina Holtom stressed that “families place their trust in early learning providers, and that trust must be upheld with the highest standards of care, oversight, and accountability.” She called for bold, sector-wide reforms to ensure a safer environment for children.
