Major national reforms to strengthen child safety

On 15 July 2026, education ministers around the country agreed on critical reforms to further strengthen child safety in early childhood education and care (ECEC). 

These reforms follow extensive consultation with families and the broader ECEC sector.

Key reforms

The proposed reforms focus on strengthening supervision practices, increasing transparency for families, improving whistleblower protections and introducing broader regulatory responses to ensure Persons with Management and Control (PMCs) remain fit and proper. 

1. Regulatory changes

Regulatory changes will include, but are not limited to:

• strengthened supervision practices to define the relevant considerations in determining ‘adequate supervision’ and when ‘under the roof’ ratios should not be applied
• a requirement to have policies and procedures in place to support child safeguarding through adequate supervision practices
• increased transparency for families in relation to compliance information
• enhanced regulator powers to suspend or issue directions to a PMC
• expanded powers for regulators to impose directions on individuals as well as approved providers and the ability to disclose relevant information
• increased whistleblower protections, including limiting or prohibiting use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
• safer fencing requirements, including strengthening fencing regulations. 

These reforms are not yet in effect but will be applied to the Legislation in 2027.

2. Non-regulatory measures

Non-regulatory measures will include publishing guidance and targeted information to help providers understand and meet their obligations under the National Law.