Warnings on Child Safety System Ignored Before Abuse Scandal Erupted

Calls to fix child safety checks went unanswered—now families are demanding answers.

Victoria ignored warnings to fix child safety checks before abuse allegations emerged at a Melbourne childcare centre. AAP Image/Dean Lewins

As public anger mounts over child abuse allegations at a Melbourne childcare centre, the Victorian Labor government is facing renewed scrutiny for failing to act on long-standing flaws in the state’s Working With Children Check (WWCC) system.

In 2022, the Ombudsman urged the government to strengthen the scheme, recommending legislative changes that would allow authorities to suspend or revoke WWCCs based on risk assessments, even in cases without criminal charges.