The Victorian childcare sector faces a watershed moment as new laws, heightened duties, and public scrutiny demand urgent action to protect children.
A Crisis That Has Shaken the Sector
The Victorian childcare sector is confronting a devastating crisis following allegations against Joshua Brown, a childcare worker now charged with 70 child abuse offences involving infants as young as five months. Brown worked across approximately 20 centres over eight years while holding a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC). The community is now asking: “How did this happen and what must change?”
The Government’s Immediate Response
In a swift response, the Victorian Government has announced major reforms, including a ban on personal devices in childcare centres (from September 2025) and a sector-wide urgent safety review, with mandatory CCTV on the table. Reforms to strengthen the WWCC system are also underway.
Legal Duties: The Reverse Onus Explained
Under Victoria’s ‘reverse onus’ legislation, organisations must prove they took all reasonable steps to prevent abuse, or they will face liability. This places an even greater responsibility on providers to go beyond compliance and embed safeguarding deeply into their culture.
What Can Providers Do Right Now?
Early childhood organisations must not wait for national reviews. Immediate action can help protect children today.
Six Practical Steps to Strengthen Child Safety
- Review your Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct.
- Communicate your commitment to child safety.
- Deliver contextualised child safety training.
- Strengthen recruitment and screening.
- Conduct environmental risk assessments; and
- Engage your board in active oversight.
Leadership, Vigilance, and the Path Forward
We must do more than react. This moment calls for genuine change, driven by vigilance and accountability. Because in the end, child safety is not just policy, it is a commitment.
How We Support Organisations to Protect Children
Our Safeguarding and Child Safety team works closely with organisations to develop, strengthen, and implement effective child protection frameworks. We provide practical legal guidance that aligns with best practice and regulatory compliance. We assist with:
- Reviewing and drafting Child Safety Policies and Codes of Conduct.
- Advising on and responding to allegations of child abuse.
- Navigating investigations and meeting statutory obligations; and
- Delivering tailored training to boards, leadership teams, and frontline staff.
Call to Action
Now more than ever, safeguarding children is a legal, ethical, and leadership imperative. Get in touch with our team today to ensure your organisation is doing everything it can to protect the children in your care.