WA Child Care Centres Face Scrutiny Over Rising Serious Incidents
The Opposition in Western Australia has intensified its push for an independent watchdog to oversee child care services, following the release of alarming new statistics. The data shows a significant number of serious incidents recorded in the state's early childhood centres over the past financial year, raising concerns about safety and supervision.
Concerning Figures Prompt Reform Calls
According to the latest Productivity Commission report on government services, WA child care centres documented 2286 serious incidents in 2024-25. This marks an increase from the 2154 incidents reported in the previous year, equating to more than eight serious occurrences each day on average.
Shadow Early Childhood Minister Liam Staltari described the figures as deeply concerning, emphasising that they highlight an urgent need for systemic reform. He argued that parents rightfully expect their children to be safe and well-supervised in care environments, but these statistics fail to meet that basic expectation.
Breakdown of Incident Categories
The detailed data reveals a troubling spectrum of serious incidents across WA centres:
- 1827 cases involved children being injured, traumatised, or falling ill.
- 281 incidents related to children being locked in or out, taken away, or left unaccounted for.
- 178 occurrences required emergency services to attend the scene.
- 264 incidents were linked to confirmed breaches of regulations.
Notably, WA recorded the highest proportion of serious incidents tied to confirmed breaches at 11.5 percent, which is substantially above the national average.
Political Responses and Regulatory Debate
Mr Staltari has called for the Education and Care Regulatory Unit (ECRU) to be removed from the Department of Communities and replaced with a genuinely independent childcare watchdog equipped with adequate resources and enforcement power. He pointed out that other states have already taken this step, criticising the Cook Labor Government for failing to follow suit.
In response, Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton defended WA's existing regulatory framework, stating that ECRU operates as a separate and independent regulator. She highlighted that the Department of Communities does not own or operate any early childhood education and care services, which she argues ensures impartial oversight.
Minister Winton also noted that the number of serious incidents in WA remains below the national average and pointed to improvements in quality ratings. She mentioned that 85.2 percent of services met or exceeded the National Quality Standard in 2025, up from 81.1 percent in 2024.
Advocacy Group Echoes Concerns
Georgie Dent, chief executive of parents' advocacy group The Parenthood, expressed that the worrying data reinforces the urgent need for a national early childhood commission. She stated that confidence among families remains fragile, with many withdrawing from care or reducing work hours due to safety concerns.
Ms Dent emphasised that no parent should have to choose between their child's safety and financial security. She called for swift government action to enhance regulation and oversight of the early childhood education and care system, aiming to protect children and restore trust among Australian parents.
The debate continues as stakeholders assess the best path forward to ensure the safety and well-being of children in care across Western Australia.
