Senator the Hon Jonno Duniam
Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning
Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate
Senator for Tasmania
Zoe McKenzie MP
Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Early Learning
Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health
Federal Member for Flinders
1 July 2025
The reports of horrific alleged crimes committed in Victorian childcare and early learning centres are deeply disturbing.
These allegations represent a fundamental breach of trust in the very places on which parents rely to care for their children and keep them safe. This is every parent’s worst nightmare – and the Coalition extends our deepest sympathies to the victims, their families, and everyone else affected.
We acknowledge the deep distress this has caused our dedicated early childhood educators and carers – professionals who work every day to nurture and protect our children.
The government must urgently review Australia’s child safety safeguards – including those under the National Quality Framework – to identify where any strengthening of legislation and practices could occur.
The Coalition stands ready to work with the Government to ensure our child protection systems are as strong, transparent, and accountable as they must be to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.
ENDS