What we do
Our job is to ensure that Victoria’s early childhood services are providing safe, high-quality education and care that children need to thrive.
Established on 1 January 2026, the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) has the powers to respond quickly if a child’s safety, health or wellbeing is at risk.
More frequent compliance checks, tougher penalties for breaches and mandatory educator training will help to keep children attending early childhood services safe.
VECRA can and will share information with other regulators and law enforcement agencies – meaning relevant authorities can intervene early to prevent harm to children.
For more information about our powers and function, visit Role of the Regulatory Authority.
Learn more about the services VECRA regulates.
Our people
Adam Fennessy, Interim Regulator
Adam has over 25 years of public sector experience at state and federal levels. His former roles have included:
- Secretary of the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries
- Secretary of the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning
- Victorian Public Sector Commissioner
- Dean & CEO of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG)
- Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Adam has worked in the private sector as a partner with global advisory firm Ernst & Young.
Adam was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2018 in recognition of his outstanding public service to government departments in Victoria and served as the Victorian Public Service Commissioner between 2020 and 2022.
Helen Quiney, Chief Executive Officer
A lawyer by training, Helen is a highly skilled leader who has held executive roles across Victorian Government, including in employee safety, wellbeing and inclusion. Most recently she was Executive Director of the Quality Assessment and Regulation Division at the Department of Education.
Helen has extensive experience in strengthening regulatory compliance, including under National Law. She is committed to working with the early childhood sector and families to better protect children’s safety and wellbeing and ensure the highest quality of services across Victoria.
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