Welcome to the first edition of the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA)'s sector newsletter.
I recognise that the start of this year has been challenging for many Victorian communities affected by the recent bushfires and extreme weather conditions. These events place significant pressure on children, families, educators and services.
I want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of services and staff continuing to support children and families during these stressful times, especially in areas preparing for and managing ongoing bushfire and extreme weather risks.
There are supports available through Emergency Management Victoria for impacted communities that I encourage you to access. There is also emergency Child Care Subsidy funding available from the Australian Government for people in affected areas.
This edition of our newsletter includes practical reminders about emergency management planning and response to help services stay prepared.
VECRA’s mission to keep children safe
As the Interim Regulator, my highest priority is clear: keeping children safe from harm.
VECRA now independently oversees early childhood education and care services to ensure children are receiving safe supervision, high quality care and education that families can count on.
The recent National Law amendments will strengthen our ability to investigate historic offences, collect and share critical safety and enforcement information, including with families and with recruitment agencies, and proactively inform providers about prohibited individuals.
We will take swift, transparent regulatory action when children’s safety, health or wellbeing is at risk, when noncompliance is serious, and if services fail to meet their legal obligations.
Since 2 January 2026, new penalties now apply to all early childhood service providers who put children’s safety at risk.
Maximum penalties have tripled for all offences under the National Law and National Regulations.
In Victoria, maximum penalties for large providers (25+ services) are now 9 times the previous penalty amounts.
National and Victorian law changes
The remaining National and Victorian child safety reforms legislation will come into effect on 27 February 2026.
These reforms include the introduction of the paramountcy consideration principle. This principle refers to the requirement that the safety, rights and best interests of children be the number one priority in all decisions and actions relating to early childhood education and care.
VECRA will host online information sessions for approved providers and educators soon. These sessions will involve a series of webinars focussing on the different themes related to the legislative changes and provide an opportunity for educators and service providers to ask questions and seek further guidance. We will circulate further information about how you can get involved.
Strong child safety culture
Keeping children safe relies on a strong child safety culture in every service. This means being alert to risk, speaking up early and taking concerns seriously.
Reporting concerns about a child’s safety, wellbeing or care helps prevent harm and allows VECRA to act where needed to keep children safe. I expect services and individuals to meet their reporting obligations and to create environments where concerns are raised and acted on in the best interests of children.
Thank you for the important work you do every day to ensure that children attending Victorian early childhood education services are safe and thriving. Your commitment is essential to helping families to feel confident, connected, and well-supported throughout their child’s early learning journey.
Stay up to date with VECRA
VECRA will share timely regulatory updates through our newsletter and LinkedIn communication channels. I encourage you to subscribe and follow us online to stay up to date.
Adam Fennessy PSM
Interim Regulator
Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority
Updated