A suite of reforms in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector have taken effect from 2 March 2026 as part of the federal government’s response to revelations of unacceptable practices and devastating safety issues in centres.
Key mechanisms include a National Early Childhood Worker Register and mandatory Child Safety Training modules to be completed by all workers, company directors and centre leadership.
IEUA Assistant Federal Secretary Veronica Yewdall said committed and professional staff in the ECEC workforce were under enormous pressure and suffering significant mental and emotional strain due to the careless or criminal actions of a few.
