As Australia experiences the height of summer, we are reminded of the critical importance of child safety after yet another tragic loss of life. Currently, there is no mandated system in place within childcare services to notify parents or guardians of their child/s absence. Implementing such an automated notification system could serve as a vital safeguard against potential oversights, ensuring the well-being of our children.

While the current policy focuses on school-aged children, extending a similar notification system to childcare centers and other child-focused institutions could provide an additional layer of protection. By mandating that these facilities implement absentee notifications, parents would be alerted promptly if their child does not arrive as expected, reducing the risk of accidental harm due to being left unattended in vehicles.

Studies have proven that a change in routine can see devastating consequences for parents or care givers that have forgotten their child is in the car. The lack of a centralised system for tracking child presence in childcare centres directly contributes to devastating numbers of child deaths.

The proposed notification system is neither complex, nor costly - and could drastically reduce these figures.

Sign this petition to advocate for the implementation of a nationwide mandatory child care absenteeism notification system. Together, let's prevent tragedies before they happen, because no family should have to experience the devastation caused by the loss of a child from a tragic mistake.