Criminal charges against G8 Education Limited for allegedly putting child’s safety at risk

The Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) has charged G8 Education Limited in relation to multiple alleged breaches by Community Kids Hoppers Crossing Early Education Centre service.

VECRA has charged G8 Education Limited with a total of 5 offences in relation to an alleged incident where a child with diagnosed disabilities exited the service and was unaccounted for a period of time.

The child was allegedly found a distance from the service by two members of the public in the middle of a busy road where there was fast moving traffic.

The charges relate to 5 offences under the Education and Care Services National Law (the National Law) and Regulations:

1. Breach of section 165 - Offence to inadequately supervise children
2. Beach of 167 - Offence relating to protection of children from harm and hazards
3. Breach of Section 168 - Offence relating to required programs
4. Breach of Section 51 - Conditions on service approval
5. Breach of regulation 103 - Premises, furniture and equipment to be safe, clean and in good repair.

If found proven, these offences carry a potential aggregate penalty of $197,300 under the National Law.

As criminal proceedings are ongoing, VECRA is unable to provide further details about the allegations or comment further until proceedings are concluded.

Quotes attributable to Adam Fennessy PSM, Interim Early Childhood Regulator:

"When children’s safety is put at risk, VECRA will not hesitate to hold services accountable."

"These charges against G8 Education’s service in Hoppers Crossing are very serious given the significant risk to the child."

"Parents are entitled to trust that their children are safe when attending an early childhood service."

"As these matters are now before the court, we are unable to comment further."

Further background

On 1 January 2026, the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) commenced operations as Victoria's new independent early childhood regulator.

A key recommendation from the 2025 Rapid Child Safety Review, the new independent regulator oversees safety, quality, and compliance in early childhood services across Victoria.

Media contact: vecra.media@education.vic.gov.au