A serious incident is one that seriously compromises the health, safety or wellbeing of a child.

39-year-old Arvind Ajay Singh was remanded in custody before being granted bail in April 2023, with strict conditions including the surrender of his passport.

This follows a raft of reports of unsafe practices in the early childhood sector, including a grandparent taking the wrong child home at pickup, and a child running onto a busy road while in care.

Ali, who finished high school in Pakistan before moving to Australia to do a Certificate IV in Project Management and obtaining a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, had a history of mental health issues.

Federal Early Childhood Education Minister Jess Walsh described them as “the strongest and most significant package of child safety reforms in our nation’s history.”

The Government has committed to a $42 million package to strengthen child safety in early childhood education and care

The national childcare quality authority’s data shows there has been a slow but steady increase in the rate of serious incidents in the eight years to 2023–24.

High staff turnover at the centre should be a warning sign for employers and parents alike.

From January 2026, the current Activity Test will be replaced, guaranteeing three days a week of subsidised early education for children who need it.

Each state and territory requires people who work with children to have a working with children clearance.