Australia’s Childcare Crisis

A recent investigation on the ABC program Four Corners has uncovered a myriad of issues affecting Australia’s childcare industry. At Marsdens we have received a growing number of enquiries from parents of children who have been injured, neglected or abused in a childcare setting, and the recent Four Corners expose has confirmed that these types of issues are significant and systemic.

The allegations which were aired in the Four Corners episode were both confronting in their nature and staggering in the frequency with which they occur. The report starts with a 4 year old boy describing to his mother that an educator had been inappropriately touching him and other boys, every day for several months.

The boy’s mother reported the issue immediately to the childcare centre and when no response had been received 3 weeks later, she contacted the police. The educator was eventually charged and is now serving time in prison for the offences.

Australia’s childcare industry is regulated by national standards, which are then enforced by the respective regulator in each state or territory. It is apparent that the level of enforcement varies between jurisdictions, which in the worst of cases means that even in the event of serious breaches, some childcare centres are remaining open for business. There are reports of unqualified educators, corruption in the accreditation and regulation systems, and a systemic failing of national standards.

This report highlights the systemic issues within the industry. The numbers are staggering. In 2024, there were 26,000 reported “serious incidents”, which may include deaths, serious injuries, missing children and abuse. Across Victoria, Western Australia and NSW, there is one report per day of sexual misconduct or a sexual offence.

The Four Corners investigation has raised awareness and initiated investigations at many levels, including government, which will hopefully see an overhaul of the industry and ensure the safety of our children.

If you have a question or concern over an incident or issue involving a childcare centre, please contact one of our experienced lawyers for advice, today.

The contents of this article are for reference purposes only. This publication does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Specific legal advice should always be sought separately before taking any action based on this publication.