Parliament Will Not Rise Until Child Safety Bill Passes

The Allan Labor Government is moving with urgency and getting on with its child safety overhaul.

Premier Jacinta Allan joined Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny at the Connie Benn Early Learning Centre in Fitzroy today to announce the Government will introduce legislation into Parliament next week to immediately suspend Working with Children Checks while re-assessments are finalised.

This is urgent legislation that requires an urgent response which is why MPs will not be leaving until the Bill is passed next week.

The Victorian Government has announced a child safety overhaul.

We are taking immediate action to strengthen the Working With Children Check and child safety in early childhood education and care settings with a $42 million boost to the sector, by:

• Accepting and implementing all 22 recommendations of the independent Rapid Child Safety Review
• Bringing legislation to the next sitting week to allow for the immediate suspension of individual Working with Children Checks (WWCC)
• Establishing a new, nation-leading regulator that will more than double the frequency of compliance checks
• Beefing up the Social Services Regulator (SSR) by bringing the WWCC, the Reportable Conduct Scheme and Child Safe Standards under the one roof by the end of the year, giving it new powers, removing silos and weeding out predators
• Introducing mandatory child safety training and expanding professional support programs, including through changes to the National Law, to build a greater culture of speaking up, and
• Calling on the Federal Government to prioritise quality and safety in the national childcare system.

The work has already started and will continue in the coming weeks and months to restore trust in the sector.

Quotes attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan

“I will do everything in my power as Premier to make sure child safety comes first – that’s why we’ve announced a child safety overhaul.”

“This is urgent legislation which is why MPs will not leave Parliament next week until this Bill is passed.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn

“Reforms to the early childhood education and care settings are crucial to ensuring Victorian children are cared for and learn in safe environments.”

Quote attributable to Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny

“The reformed Victorian Working with Children Check scheme will ensure greater information sharing and transparency so we can take immediate action to protect children.”