Labor puts childcare centres on notice after abuse scandal with ‘one strike’ threat to funding
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Australia Introduces Child Care Safety Bill After Abuse Scandal
Above: Children playing with wooden blocks. Image copyright: Lourdes Balduque/Getty Images
The Spin
Australian Labor Party narrative
In response to the appalling discoveries made at a Melbourne child care center, the Albanese government is taking immediate action to protect Australia’s children. By expanding the authorities’ powers to withdraw state funding and conduct spot checks, the government is taking steps to prevent similarly heinous offenses from occurring again in the future.
Liberal/National Coalition narrative
In this matter, the government will have the total support and assistance of the Coalition, as the safety of Australia’s children is the utmost priority. However, the government must ensure that its legislation will adequately improve the safety of children in early education by using every lever at its disposal to make the necessary changes.
Australian Green Party narrative
The Australian Greens will not obstruct the government’s legislative agenda, but more is needed to safeguard Australia’s children. The country desperately needs an independent watchdog with the regulatory power to effect serious change; otherwise, plastering over the cracks will fail to prevent further abuse from creeping into the child care system further down the line.