We feel that ACECQA need to do better when it comes to safeguarding children in early childhood settings. Recent events have made it undeniably clear that current safety standards and regulatory oversight are failing the very children and families they are meant to protect.

One critical measure would be the implementation of a 2-to-X educator-to-child policy across all early learning centres. No educator should ever be left alone with children—under any circumstance. 

This is not just a recommended approach—it is the only way, and the most proactive step we can take to stop children from being abused physically, mentally, and sexually. 

In addition to staffing policy reform, we urge a comprehensive redesign of nappy change and toileting areas — such as installing half-glass panels or upper-viewing windows in doors and walls. These modifications allow for visibility and accountability while still maintaining the child's privacy.

Any 2-to-X policy must apply consistently across all intimate care routines, ensuring that two educators are always present during nappy changes and toileting. 

Furthermore, we recommend another design policy that increases visibility throughout the centre which promotes transparency and reinforces a culture of openness, where educators are held to the highest standards of accountability. This design approach supports both child safety and professional integrity by making interactions observable and environments more secure.

The fact that Affinity and countless other providers have appeared in the media multiple times over safety concerns should be a wake-up call. We only hear about the incidents that make it into the media. How many more are happening behind closed doors? Obvious complaints are not being properly investigated or resolved, and this gross negligence is putting children at risk every single day. This is a systemic failure, and it demands urgent and uncompromising reform.

Families are also questioning where their money is going. Childcare fees rise every year, but is that money actually being reinvested into safety, staffing, support, and training? Or is it simply feeding executive bonuses? Parents and educators deserve transparency and accountability — because those who trust and operate within the system are the ones being failed.

We demand that ACECQA to step up and take immediate action and implement these policy ASAP for all early learning education centres:

1) better educator to child ratio (2:X) so no child is ever left alone

2) better visibility in change rooms, bathrooms and throughout centre

3) review of early educators pay

4)  harsher forms of penalties when a breech occurs 

5) employing cleaners so educators can focus on educating and spending quality time with the children