2025-07-01
In light of a breaking story of alleged sexual assaults linked to an employee who worked at a number of childcare centres across Melbourne, the Greens are re-igniting a call for a Royal Commission into safety and quality in Australia’s early childhood education system.
It is the latest in a string of reported misconduct and abuse uncovered in Australia’s early childhood education and care system, as uncovered by ABC’s Four Corners.
Victorian Greens MLC Anasina Gray-Barberio recently called on the Victorian Government to release documents to reveal the true extent of harm and abuse in the early childhood education sector in Victoria.
This follows important work by NSW Greens MP Abigail Boyd, who uncovered serious regulatory failures and alarming rates of harm in early childhood care after making a similar request in the NSW Parliament.
The Australian Greens early childhood education spokesperson, Senator Steph Hodgins-May, says the Prime Minister cannot keep ignoring alarm bells, such as those identified by Four Corners and this latest report here in Victoria, and must set out a clear roadmap to reform via a Royal Commission, similar to the one into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Quotes attributable to Australian Greens early childhood education spokesperson, Senator Steph Hodgins-May:
“As a mother of young children myself, waking up to these reports was tragic and gut-wrenching.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families at this distressing time. No one should have to experience this, and that it has occurred at places meant to educate, nurture and protect is deeply disturbing.
“How many more horror stories from across the country need to emerge for the government to recognise the ongoing and systemic nature of abuse allegations within our childcare centres?
“We can’t keep looking away. The government must establish a Royal Commission to uncover the scale of the crisis and chart a way forward to keep our kids safe.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens early childhood education spokesperson, Anasina Gray-Barberio MLC:
“My heart breaks for the children and families affected by this unimaginable tragedy. As a mother myself, no words can fully capture the pain and betrayal they must be feeling.
“We have heard the childcare sector in Victoria is deeply flawed, lacking transparency and oversight, and leaving the door open for abuse and neglect. Everyone rightfully concerned for their children’s safety today needs answers.
“It’s been distressing to hear that some of these affected centres were in my electorate of Northern Metro. My office is here to support everyone, and I encourage people to reach out so we can help you access support services.”