The Coalition wants governments at all levels to act with urgency to implement measures that have been agreed at the Education Ministers Meeting today.
Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning, Jonno Duniam, said that the blueprint is available to make childcare centres safer, now it is up to governments at all levels to follow through.
“This is a step in the right direction, but the real test will be the actual implementation by the Commonwealth, states and territories of measures to protect kids in childcare,” Senator Duniam said.
“We will hold all governments to account on their commitments today. That includes the February deadline for a national register of early education workers that the Coalition has been calling for.”
“Parents will not forgive anyone for any delays or bureaucratic excuses. The states and territories cannot resort back to the old, fragmented approach that has clearly not worked. They must embrace reforms and put their words into action by helping create a truly consistent national register, enforce penalties for non-compliance regarding personal phone bans, and a nationally consistent Working with Children Check.”
“The Coalition facilitated the fast tracking of Federal legislation to ensure better compliance in childcare centres We are ready to work with the governments on all levels to get these critical next steps right.”
Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Early Learning, Zoe McKenzie MP, said, “We support the Government’s direction, but key questions remain – who pays, how long will funding last, who’s responsible for delivery, and how will the system work in practice to ensure every educator is covered and checked? Parents deserve certainty.”