Early childhood education and care
Jess WILSON (Kew) (14:10): My question is to the Premier. Yesterday I asked if the Premier has full confidence in the government’s childcare regulator. The Premier affirmed twice that she could understand why the question was asked, twice that parents are asking the same question and twice that it was a legitimate question. Despite this, the Premier failed to answer the question. I ask again –
Members interjecting.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Members at the table, refrain please. Member for Kew to repeat her question.
Jess WILSON: My question is to the Premier. Yesterday I asked if the Premier has full confidence in her government’s childcare regulator. The Premier affirmed twice that she could understand why the question was asked, twice that parents are asking the same question and twice that it was a legitimate question. Despite this, the Premier failed to answer the question. I ask again: does the Premier have full confidence in her government’s childcare regulator?
Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:11): In answering the question from the member for Kew, I say that this is something that will be in terms of working to strengthen the system. As I have said before, if there are changes that need to be made, as recommended by the urgent review, we stand ready to make them to keep children safe. If that includes recommendations that may intersect with the work of the regulator, then we will also make them, because it is important that we have confidence in the system. I say this about the work of the regulator: it is a very, very big and challenging role that they have, and I thank the staff in the regulator, as I thank the staff across the early childhood and childcare system, who are also finding this an incredibly difficult time in terms of the horrific abuse allegations. But I do want to be clear: if there is more work to be done to build confidence, we will do it.
Bridget Vallence: On a point of order on relevance, Deputy Speaker, the question was about the Premier having confidence in the regulator. I would ask you to ask her to come back to that question.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The Premier has finished her answer.
Jess WILSON (Kew) (14:12): The Premier has refused to include the performance of the regulator in the review. Will the Premier commit to establishing an independent regulatory watchdog to protect children?
Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:13): The answer to that question goes to comments I have made in this place a number of times this week. As a result of the urgent review being undertaken by Jay Weatherill and Pam White, if they recommend that there are more changes to be made, we stand ready to make them, and it does go to the matters that have been raised by the member for Kew.