Some important announcements were made overnight about the upcoming changes following the Victorian Government’s Rapid Child Safety Review. These reforms hope to strengthen protections for children and provide clearer systems and supports for educators.

While these changes are only applicable to Victoria for now, there have been calls to make them Federal, so it’s good to stay aware.

Most won’t begin until early 2026, with the introduction of a brand-new regulator, there are some steps you can start thinking about now.

At a Glance: What’s Coming

New independent regulator for early childhood education and care (ECEC) – from 2026 Stronger child safety systems, checks, and reporting processes More transparency through compliance information and reporting hotlines Changes to workforce registration and recruitment guidance Clearer national advocacy on training quality, ratios, and CCTV trials

What This Means for Your Centre

Here’s how the reforms will impact you and your team:

• Annual check-ins: The new regulator will visit at least once a year — designed to be supportive, not intimidating.
• Recruitment practices: Expect stronger guidance around hiring, screening, and Working with Children Checks. Now is a good time to review your current processes.
• Transparency: Services will see clearer guidelines on how and when to report concerns, plus more information will be available to families online.
• Workforce registration: The Early Childhood Workforce Register (introduced in July) is the starting point. Over time, it may expand into a state-based or national worker registration scheme.

If you’re already meeting the National Quality Standards and applying best-practice child safety measures, you’re starting from a strong position.

Key Changes in Detail

1. A New Independent ECEC Regulator (from 2026)

• A dedicated body focused on early childhood services.
• More resources, more frequent support visits, and closer oversight of large providers.

2. Stronger Child Safety Systems

• Improvements to Working with Children Checks.
• A new Social Services Regulator overseeing these checks.
• Recruitment support with new best-practice guidance for services.

3. Support and Transparency

• Families gain easier access to complaints processes and compliance information.
• Educators get clear reporting guidelines and support when raising concerns.

4. Workforce Registration

• Existing Workforce Register is now in place.
• Potential for a National Worker Registration Scheme — or a standalone Victorian model if national agreement isn’t reached.

5. Advocacy in Progress

The Victorian Government is pressing the Commonwealth for:

• Stricter action on poor training providers
• CCTV trials in services
• Review of minimum ratios nationally
• Reinstated funding for state-based ECEC regulators

What You Can Do Now

• Check your recruitment and safety procedures — ensure Working with Children Checks are current and processes are strong.
• Talk with your team about how concerns are reported and handled.
• Nominate a contact person in your service to track ongoing updates about compliance and new requirements.
• View upcoming regulator visits as opportunities to showcase your service’s quality and commitment to safety.

Looking Ahead

These reforms are designed to strengthen trust with families and support us as a sector to keep children safe and nurtured. We know change can feel overwhelming, but remember — you’re not alone.

If you or your team ever need confidential support, you can access it through TELUS Health at 1800 971 573.

Additionally, reach out to Christina or Abby to see how our tailored Support Services can help you bring your policies and procedures in alignment with these new changes. Simply email christina@cel.edu.au to discuss your specific needs.

We’ll continue to share updates as changes roll out.

In the meantime, thank you for your incredible work every day.