Y Australia Statement on ABC Four Corners Report
Content warning: This statement refers to child sexual abuse. It may distress some readers.
If you need support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Other services: Lifeline 13 11 14, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800, 13YARN 13 92 76.
Y Australia is shocked and appalled by the reports of harm and abuse in this episode. The scale and severity are distressing. These claims demand urgent action across the sector.
Our thoughts are with victim-survivors, their families, and their communities. We recognise the harm, trauma, and grief caused. Your safety and dignity must come first.
While the Y recognises that no environment can be entirely risk-free, we are steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding.
We have welcomed recent reform announcements by governments, but more steps are needed to strengthen the safety of children entrusted into our care. The Y supports all efforts to strengthen accountability and transparency across the childcare system
What more is needed
- Two qualified educators in every room when children are present, mandated and funded
- Mandatory child-safety training for all staff, with refreshers at least every two years
- Accreditation and monitoring of staffing and labour-hire agencies, with legal accountability
- Stronger, consistent regulation nationwide
- A dedicated Safeguarding Lead at governance level for large providers
We have made a formal submission on these issues to the Senate Inquiry into the Quality and Safety of Australia’s Early Childhood Education and Care System. The Y will continue to work with governments, sector partners and communities to raise standards across the childcare sector.
The Royal Commission demonstrated the failures of many institutions, including the Y, to protect Australian children. We continue to listen, we continue to learn, we continue to apologise, and we continue to act.
What we have already changed
- Safeguarding leads on every board and in every association
- Externally audited child safe standards for accountability and transparency
- Prohibited practices, including personal phone use in child-facing environments
- A Redress Scheme begun before the national scheme was established
Our services, all services, must be safe places where children can be safe and thrive.