2025-10-28
ACT Greens MLA Laura Nuttall has backed calls for the expedited release of documents relating to incidents and complaints within the ACT Early Childhood Sector.
“In light of the horrific evidence uncovered through a Four Corners report, it is vital that the ACT Government expedite the release of this information to provide transparency and accountability to parents and families,” said Miss Nuttall.
“The documents that have been released in NSW following a motion from Greens MP Abigail Boyd have revealed a scale of malpractice that, if replicated in the ACT could serve to completely undermine the way we provide Early Childhood Education and Care in the Territory.
“I have and will continue to be a staunch advocate for the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector. There are many excellent educators who dedicate their lives to improving outcomes for the young people in their care.
“But it is clear that the for-profit system that has been allowed to dominate the sector has created a dark underbelly for predators who prey on the most vulnerable in our community.
“Families are distressed by the media reports they are seeing. Without this information being provided by the Government how can they be assured that their children are safe at the centres that they entrust with their care?
“Today the Minister indicated that over 900 of the almost 2,500 documents relating to complaints made about centres in Canberra have been prepared.
“The Government should release the documents that are ready, and release the remaining progressively as they become so.
“The Government response to this call for information is condescending at best, and negligent at worst. Families have a right to know this information so they can make informed decisions about the care of their children.
“The Four Corners report into the NSW Early Childhood sector was shocking. We cannot possibly understand the scale of this issue in ACT without better transparency from the Government.
“The ACT Government needs to make the release of the information a priority in order to restore faith in the sector and support the vast majority of educators who are genuinely focused on the care, safety and education of our young people.
“Fundamentally, Governments across Australia have completely abdicated responsibility for this essential public service. This has forced families to send their children to for-profit providers where often the main motivation is their bottom line rather than the care and protection of young people. This needs to change," said Miss Nuttall.