The Northern Territory Government has announced a new plan to boost child safety standards in the Territory’s early childhood education and care services.
The Government says the ‘Safe Start, Strong Futures’ plan is the strongest strategic plan yet to boost child safety, outlining an approach and activity to support national reforms and strengthen child safety in regulated early education and care services.
Key features of the plan include a new compliance team with additional staff, accountability for government funding, new professional learning practices and continued national advocacy for fencing and barriers that reflect contemporary safety benchmarks.
Announcing the plan at Goodstart Early Learning Centre in Stuart Park, Minister for Early Education Jo Hersey (pictured visiting an Early Start centre this week) said breaches of safety and quality will not be tolerated anywhere in the Northern Territory.
“Child safety is no accident. It requires constant vigilance, strong laws, and a shared commitment from all of us – government, educators, and communities alike,” said Minister Hersey.
“As a government, we hold a profound responsibility to Territory children and their families.”
The Minister said one of the most heartbreaking examples of childcare failure in the Top End was the tragic passing of Ebony Thompson, a 22-month-old toddler who was dropped off at childcare in Humpty Doo “as a happy and healthy toddler and hours later her parents receiving tragic news. A parent’s worst nightmare”.
Minister Hersey recently confirmed the Humpty Doo Community and Childcare Centre, a director and two staff from the centre had been charged for the failure to supervise Ebony before her death.
“Childcare centres need to be held accountable, and I will not hesitate to take action against providers who do not meet National Quality Standards,” she said.
“Centres who are not meeting National Quality Standards need to fix their act fast.”
Ms Hersey recently met with Ebony’s parents, Jade and Floyd Thompson, with the Minister describing their pain as “unimaginable”.
“After reading the coronial report, I immediately wrote to the Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare, and to Senator Jess Walsh, calling for a review of national laws around suitable fencing in early childhood services,” she said.
“I have since received a letter from Senator Walsh confirming this issue will be on the agenda for the National Education Ministers’ Meeting in February 2026.”
“At present, there are no national standards for fencing height or type and that must change.”
