Early childhood education and care
Brad BATTIN (Berwick – Leader of the Opposition) (14:18): My question is to the Premier. Alleged childcare abuser Joshua Brown was the subject of two complaints in 2023 and 2024, which were investigated and substantiated by the centre’s operator. Both were reported to the government’s regulator, yet his working with children check remained in place. Despite this, the regulator is specifically excluded from the terms of the Premier’s review. Why is the Premier unwilling to review a regulator which failed to stop a man from allegedly committing 73 offences against children in child care?
Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:19): In answering this question I reiterate my earlier comments that it is incumbent upon all of us – all of us in every forum, those of us who have the privilege to be able to have a public platform – to do nothing to compromise the Victoria Police investigation or to run allegations through whether it is the parliamentary forum or other public forums. I want to be absolutely clear about this. I will not cut across that Victoria Police investigation. I support the Victoria Police investigation.
Bridget Vallence: On a point of order, Deputy Speaker, on relevance, the question is so narrow. It is asking why the Premier is unwilling to review her own regulator. I would ask you to ask her to come back to that question.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The Premier to come to the question.
Jacinta ALLAN: The question was reckless. It was reckless in containing assumptions about actions that may or may not have been taken by an independent regulator. I say again: we acknowledge that the system needs to be strengthened here in Victoria and around the nation. The rapid review will give that further advice to government, and those recommendations will be acted on.
Brad BATTIN (Berwick – Leader of the Opposition) (14:21): Given the Premier has excluded the childcare regulator from the government’s review, is the Premier asserting that no changes are required to this regulator?
Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:21): I reiterate: we have a rapid review. That rapid review will be received by government.
Members interjecting.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The member for Polwarth is warned.
Members interjecting.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Polwarth, you can leave the chamber for half an hour.
Member for Polwarth withdrew from chamber.
Jacinta ALLAN: The rapid review is underway. It will be received by government in coming weeks, and we will act on all those recommendations to strengthen the system here in Victoria.