Victoria’s childcare regulator under investigation by state’s Ombudsman

Victoria’s childcare regulator is under investigation by the state’s Ombudsman following a parliamentary referral, amid growing concerns over child safety and enforcement failures.

The Victorian Ombudsman has launched an investigation into the state’s childcare regulator.

The probe, confirmed by the Ombudsman on Wednesday, follows a referral by the Victorian Parliament’s Legislative Council pushed by the state Opposition.

It will investigate the performance of the Quality Assessment and Regulation Division – the body responsible for monitoring safety and compliance in early childhood education and care -in monitoring, investigating, and enforcing compliance with Victoria’s Child Safe Standards and the National Quality Framework.

It will also investigate any failure to comply with applicable laws, policies, or codes in relation to its regulatory role.

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, David Davis, accused years of inaction by Labor of putting children at risk.

The Victorian Ombudsman has launched an investigation into the state’s childcare regulator. Picture: Supplied

A 2022 Ombudsman’s report warned of “serious flaws” in the Working With Children system.

“The Allan Labor Government has failed to close loopholes and act on warnings,” Mr Davis said.

“It’s unacceptable that Victoria’s childcare safety system remains dangerously weak. Families deserve answers – and accountability.

“While Labor has refused to act, the Liberals and Nationals have secured the parliament’s agreement to investigate these repeated failures from Jacinta Allan and her government.”

The new investigation will be the third to probe the childcare system including a review commissioned by Jacinta Allan and a parliamentary inquiry into the embattled sector.

On Tuesday the Premier voted to block a bid by the state Opposition to introduce new legislation to overhaul Victoria’s embattled Working With Children Check system.

The Allan government blocked the introduction of the Worker Screen Amendment (Safety of Children) Bill, that Opposition Leader Brad Battin said would urgently strengthen existing laws.

But government MPs hit back saying a review into the system was already well underway.

Originally published as Victoria’s childcare regulator under investigation by state’s Ombudsman