A parliamentary committee investigating Victoria’s early childhood education and care sector has heard evidence of educator shortages, staff working under sustained pressure, and inadequate resources, support and training to meet children’s complex needs.
The Select Committee on the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector in Victoria tabled its interim report today after receiving 99 submissions and holding five days of public hearings with educators, advocacy groups, regulators, service providers, unions, community organisations, and First Nations and disability‑led representatives.
The Committee also heard that the rapid rise of the for‑profit sector has shifted the focus from children’s safety to profit, further stretching systems and undermining both child safety and quality.
The Inquiry was established following revelations by Victoria Police, reported in the media, of child abuse charges laid against Joshua Brown in July 2025.
“These deeply distressing allegations, most acutely felt by the children affected and their families, exposed critical systemic failures that enabled an individual to work across multiple early childhood education services while posing an unacceptable risk. This should never have been possible,” said Committee Chair, Anasina Gray‑Barberio.
Since the Inquiry was established, the national and state governments have made several changes, including improvements to working with children checks; the establishment of a new regulator; a national early childhood worker register; new offences and penalties; and a CCTV trial in certain centres.
“This Inquiry has heard unequivocal evidence that stronger stewardship is required at both the Victorian and national levels to ensure that safety, quality and accountability are not optional, but guaranteed, across the sector. Addressing these gaps will require a coordinated, compassionate and sustained response from both the Victorian and national governments,” Ms Gray‑Barberio said.
The Committee will continue engaging with the sector and Victorian communities, with further hearings to be held in May and a final report due by 30 July.
The interim report is available on the Committee’s website.
