Question Time AU

Bill Debate · In Committee

Early Childhood Education and Care (Strengthening Regulation of Early Education) Bill 2025; In Committee

Senate · Thursday 31 July 2025

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

At a glance

The Senate considered the bill in committee, with Senator Hodgins-May raising concerns about the impact on Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, the backlog in National Quality Standard assessments, and transparency regarding enforcement actions. Minister Walsh defended the legislation as a critical tool for child safety, explaining that the secretary would have discretion to withdraw subsidies or block new services based on safety criteria. The minister highlighted recent workforce investments and confirmed that publication of enforcement actions would be the default position. The committee reported progress and was ordered to sit again at a later hour.

Outcome

The committee reported progress and was ordered to sit again at a later hour.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Steph Hodgins-May (VIC) (Australian Greens) Greens

Hodgins-May questioned whether the bill adequately considered the unique operations of Aboriginal community-controlled services that provide holistic family support. Hodgins-May raised concerns that a significant backlog in National Quality Standard assessments would undermine the legislation's effectiveness and asked how the government would fund timely assessments. Hodgins-May sought clarification on the specific thresholds for preventing new service approvals and the framework for publishing enforcement actions to ensure transparency for parents.

Government response

Jess Walsh (Minister for Early Childhood Education; Minister for Youth) ALP VIC

Walsh stated that the bill empowers the secretary to withdraw Commonwealth childcare subsidy or block new services from providers failing to prioritise child safety. Walsh explained that decisions would consider National Quality Standards compliance, serious incidents, legal compliance, and efforts to improve safety, rather than fixed thresholds. Walsh confirmed that the default position would be to publish enforcement actions on the register, unless publication caused harm to the service or families. Walsh also highlighted a $3.6 billion investment in educator pay rises to stabilise the workforce and improve safety outcomes.