G8 Education has welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to invest $37 million to strengthen Working with Children Check (WWCC) systems through the introduction of the National Continuous Checking Capability (NCCC).

At G8 Education, the safety and wellbeing of every child in our care is our highest priority. It is a responsibility shared by every member of the G8 Education team, and one that sits at the heart of everything we do.

G8 Education CEO and Managing Director Pejman Okhovat welcomed today’s announcement by Federal Attorney General, the Hon. Michelle Rowland MP, commending the Government for prioritising these critical reforms, which will deliver stronger protections for children across Australia.

“The introduction of the National Continuous Checking Capability by the Federal Government is an initiative G8 Education has advocated for and is a critical step forward for child safety. Continuous, near real-time monitoring of criminal history changes for Working with Children Check holders will significantly strengthen protections for children and young people in our care,” Mr Okhovat said.

“Continuous monitoring and national recognition of negative checks are vital steps forward in safeguarding the wellbeing of every child in our care.

“We also welcome the move toward national mutual recognition of negative WWCC decisions, ensuring that someone deemed unsuitable in one jurisdiction is barred across all jurisdictions closes critical gaps and creates a stronger, more unified approach to safeguarding children.”

G8 Education will continue to highlight the need for the national harmonisation of policies, regulations, systems and processes across governments and regulators, in support of delivering the National Quality Standard Framework set out by the Australian Government’s Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and continue to further advocate for:

• National Teachers registration and a national Educators registration. 
• A national register of early childhood workers employment history.   
• Alignment of all State regulations, prioritising those regarding child safety and protection, ensuring national consistency.  
• Delivering on the Productivity Commission’s recommendations, in particular initiatives relating to improving quality and workforce and child safety and protection.