Dear colleagues
As you would be aware, Victoria Police is conducting a criminal investigation into allegations of sexual assault against children in a number of childcare centres across Melbourne.
These allegations are among the most distressing possible, for a sector charged with safeguarding children.
The alleged offender is now in custody, and the Victoria Police investigation is ongoing. The Regulatory Authority (QARD) has also launched a coordinated investigation into this matter.
This situation does not reflect the overwhelming majority of professionals in our sector. Every day, you demonstrate integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to children’s safety and wellbeing. That dedication matters now more than ever.
This is a confronting situation for staff and families. You may be getting questions from families about the matter. You are encouraged to direct families to the dedicated website and advice line (1800 791 241) if they have concerns. The website also lists the services and dates where the alleged offender worked, over the past 8 years.
The safety and wellbeing of children attending early childhood services in Victoria is paramount. Children have the right to be safe from harm in all environments.
Under the National Law, Approved Providers must ensure services provide a safe environment for quality care and learning. Services must report matters including any serious incidents, allegations of abuse and any complaints alleging that a serious incident has occurred.
Anyone with concerns about the safety of children in early childhood services should call QARD on 1300 307 415. Reports can be made anonymously. All notifications are taken seriously and investigated.
Yesterday, the Premier and Minister for Children announced an urgent review into childcare safety in Victoria, as well as bringing forward the implementation of a range of child safety measures, including:
- creating a Victorian register of childcare workers
- banning personal devices in childcare centres by Friday 26 September 2025.
The review will focus on immediate actions we can take, based on work already occurring at the national level with the Commonwealth and other state and territory reviews. This will include examining options for installing CCTV in childcare centres.
I will provide further information on what this means for services as it becomes available.
I encourage you to share information about support with your colleagues. The Early Childhood Wellbeing Support Program provides free counselling for early childhood education and care staff.
Staff can access professional and confidential support through TELUS Health by calling 1800 971 573. This phone line is specifically for staff working in early childhood services.
A separate dedicated advice line is available for families: 1800 791 241. This line operates 7 days a week: from 8 am to 9 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 5 pm on weekends.
Please seek support at this difficult time – it is understandable that you might experience a range of emotions in relation to the impact on children, their families, colleagues and the sector as a whole.
Please take care of yourselves and each other. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the children in your care.
Bronwen FitzGerald
Deputy Secretary
Early Childhood Education
Updated