New Child Safety Rules and Enforcement Powers for Early Childhood Services
Early Childhood Legislation Amendment (Child Safety) Bill 2025
1st House
2nd House
Law
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Education and care services must make the safety, rights and best interests of children their paramount consideration.
Staff and volunteers in education and care services are required to complete child protection and child safety training.
The Regulatory Authority can direct approved providers to suspend specific staff, supervisors or volunteers.
The Regulatory Authority can order that staff or volunteers be directly supervised while providing care.
Authorised officers gain new powers to enter family day care services and the business premises of related providers.
Approved providers that are bodies corporate must notify the Regulatory Authority if their ownership or voting rights change.
Maximum penalty amounts for offences against the Education and Care Services National Law triple.
The Victorian Regulatory Authority gains powers to issue prohibition notices, close services during emergencies and conduct disciplinary proceedings.