Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Early Childhood Education and Care (Strengthening Regulation of Early Education) Bill 2025; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Tuesday 29 July 2025

Continued from Wednesday 23 July 2025.

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate focused on legislation granting the Commonwealth powers to suspend funding for childcare providers failing safety standards, conduct unannounced inspections, and publish compliance details. The Shadow Assistant Minister supported the bill as a necessary step but urged faster national coordination and clearer definitions of non-compliance. The Minister for Education commended the bill, emphasising it was part of a broader strategy including national registers and training, while highlighting the dedication of the majority of the workforce. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives.

Outcome

The bill was read a second time and passed by the House of Representatives.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Zoe McKenzie (Flinders) (Liberal Party) Liberal

McKenzie supported the bill as a critical measure to restore trust in the early childhood education and care sector following serious allegations in Victoria. McKenzie welcomed the new powers for the Secretary of the Department of Education to suspend funding and conduct unannounced visits to detect fraud and safety breaches. However, she argued that the legislation lacked clear definitions for persistent non-compliance and called for urgent national coordination among ministers. McKenzie urged the government to accelerate meetings with state counterparts to address issues such as a national educator register and harmonised working with children checks.

Government response

Jason Clare (Minister for Education) ALP Blaxland

Clare commended the bill to the House, stating it was a vital component of a broader effort to ensure safety and quality in early education settings. Clare acknowledged the need for further reforms, including a national register of educators and mandatory child safety training, noting that states were already collaborating on these matters. Clare emphasised the importance of supporting the vast majority of dedicated early childhood workers who maintain high standards. Clare confirmed that ministerial and departmental discussions were ongoing ahead of the scheduled meeting in August.