Wednesday, 13 August 2025

Eastern Victoria Region

Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:54): (1734) My question is for the Minister for Children. Within the last week I was contacted by parents in Wonthaggi regarding the processes for, and the reliability and safety of, children in childcare. When serious allegations are made against a childcare worker, determining their credibility quickly is crucial. Without this, educators under investigation can move between different centres while allegations are being resolved. In a recent case one such worker was able to work at four different centres while allegations were unresolved, and they said this:

If something goes wrong from today onwards, you can’t chase me. So if I post those photos, and something goes wrong now, you can’t blame me, because I am terminated.

Disgusting. Will the minister explain what steps the government will take to ensure credible allegations are identified rapidly, without months- or years-long delays, which are typical for a lot of abusers, and then also tell us how they will inform parents and childcare centres involved without risking further crimes being committed?