The child safety reforms explained
Accuracy note. The information provided in this blog post regarding National and Victorian child safety reforms is accurate as of the publication date, January 2026. However, these reforms are subject to change at any time. For the most up to date and accurate details, we recommend checking the National Quality Framework (NQF), the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA).
Navigating legislative change can feel complex, overwhelming and, at times, confusing. When reforms roll out across different dates, jurisdictions and regulatory bodies, it can be difficult to understand what applies to your role, what needs to change in practice, and why these changes are happening in the first place.
That is where this resource comes in.
This blog collates the current child safety reforms as they are published and in effect as of January 2026, drawing directly from the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and Victorian Government sources. Our intention is to support early learning services to make sense of these changes in a clear, practical and non-alarmist way, focussing on what is required, how this may impact day-to-day practice, and how these reforms align with the intent of the National Quality Framework (NQF).
Why these reforms are happening
Child safety reform across early childhood education and care is occurring in response to:
- national reviews and inquiries into child safety,
- community expectations for stronger accountability,
- evidence that systems must better respond to harm, risk and delayed disclosure.
At a national level, Education Ministers agreed to a comprehensive reform package to strengthen child safety under the National Quality Framework.
Source: ACECQA, Child safety: what’s changing
In Victoria, additional reforms have been introduced to strengthen oversight, enforcement and accountability within early childhood services.
Source: Victorian Government, Child safety reforms: national and Victoria-specific legislative changes
Key national changes
The child safety reforms occur across several phases:
1 September 2025
Operational and reporting changes
1 January 2026
Refinements to the National Quality Standard
Late 2025 to early 2026
Legislative amendments to the National Law
27 February 2026
Further child safety obligations, including the paramount consideration
An overview of the reform timeline is available from ACECQA.
Source: ACECQA, Child safety changes to the National Quality Framework
Step 1: Changes already in effect
From 1 September 2025
Safe use of digital technologies
From 1 September 2025, approved providers are required to have clear policies and procedures for the safe use of:
- digital devices,
- photography and video,
- storage and disposal of digital images,
- online environments and surveillance technologies.
This reflects recognition that child safety includes digital safety, privacy and online risks, alongside physical hazards.
It is important to note that the changes do not:
- require services to use digital devices,
- require CCTV to be installed,
- prohibit documentation platforms,
- prescribe a single ‘correct’ approach to technology use.
The changes require services to identify risk, put safeguards in place, and demonstrate intentional decision-making.
Source: ACECQA, NQF child safety changes from 1 September 2025 and 1 January 2026
Reduced reporting timeframes
The timeframe for notifying the regulatory authority of allegations or incidents involving physical or sexual abuse has reduced.
Source: ACECQA, NQF child safety changes from 1 September 2025 and 1 January 2026
Vaping and prohibited substances
Vaping devices and substances are now explicitly prohibited at education and care services, aligning with broader health and safety protections.
Source: ACECQA, NQF child safety changes from 1 September 2025 and 1 January 2026
Step 2: Changes to the National Quality Standard
From 1 January 2026
From 1 January 2026, the National Quality Standard (NQS) has been refined to strengthen how child safety is embedded and assessed across services.
Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety
Child safety and child protection are now more explicitly emphasised within Quality Area 2, reinforcing:
- protection from harm,
- safe supervision,
- emotional and relational safety,
- alignment with the National Child Safe Principles.
Source: ACECQA, Child safety changes to the National Quality Framework
Quality Area 7: Governance and Leadership
Quality Area 7 now places stronger emphasis on:
- leadership accountability for child safety,
- governance systems that actively support safe practice,
- induction, training and risk management processes.
Authorised Officers will look more closely at how leadership decisions support child safety in practice, as well as whether policies exist.
Source: ACECQA, Child safety changes to the National Quality Framework
Step 3: Legislative changes to the National Law
Late 2025 to early 2026
Together, these changes strengthen regulatory oversight across the whole system. The changes:
- strengthen regulators’ ability to respond to serious concerns,
- increase penalties for non-compliance,
- expand information sharing,
- reinforce child safety as a central responsibility across all roles.
Source: ACECQA, Child safety changes to the National Quality Framework
Extension of the limitation period for proceedings
From 10 December 2025, regulatory authorities have two years from the date they become aware of an alleged offence to commence proceedings, rather than two years from when the offence occurred.
Source: ACECQA, Extending the limitation period for commencing proceedings
This change recognises that disclosures of abuse often occur many years after harm has taken place.
Increased penalties and infringement notices (from 2 January 2026)
Maximum penalties under the National Law and Regulations have been significantly increased, and a broader range of offences may now attract infringement notices.
Source: ACECQA, Changes to maximum penalties and infringement notices
This reinforces the seriousness of child safety obligations.
Paramount consideration: children’s safety comes first (from 27 February 2026)
A new legal requirement establishes that the safety, rights and best interests of children are the paramount consideration in all decisions made within education and care services.
Source: ACECQA, Child safety changes to the National Quality Framework
This applies to:
- staffing and supervision,
- behaviour guidance approaches,
- enrolment and inclusion decisions,
- governance and leadership decisions.
Step 4: National Early Childhood Worker Register
A National Early Childhood Worker Register is being established to improve workforce oversight and child safety across jurisdictions.
Source: ACECQA, Child safety changes to the National Quality Framework
The register aims to:
- prevent unsuitable individuals moving undetected between services,
- improve consistency nationally,
- strengthen regulatory oversight.
Services will be required to record prescribed workforce information and maintain accurate records, working alongside existing Working with Children Check requirements.
Victorian-specific child safety reforms
Victoria has introduced complementary legislative reforms, including:
- increased penalties for serious non-compliance,
- expanded regulatory powers,
- stronger reporting and disclosure obligations,
- alignment with Child Safe Standards.
Source: Victorian Government, Child safety reforms: national and Victoria-specific legislative changes
Information about Victoria’s early childhood regulatory framework is available here:
What you need to do: a shared responsibility
Child safety responsibilities apply to everyone in an education and care setting.
All staff
For all educators, staff and volunteers
- ✓Understand child safety obligations.
- ✓Know how to identify and report concerns.
- ✓Complete required child safety training.
- ✓Reflect on how everyday decisions impact children’s safety.
Source: ACECQA, Child safety
Leaders
For educational leaders and nominated supervisors
- ✓Embed child safety into service culture.
- ✓Support staff understanding and confidence.
- ✓Review supervision, staffing and risk management practices.
Governance
For approved providers and governance bodies
- ✓Review policies and procedures.
- ✓Ensure governance decisions prioritise child safety.
- ✓Monitor compliance and continuous improvement systems.
A final word from Phoenix Support
These reforms are about clarity, accountability and care. We can meet them with confidence, and we each need to understand them. It’s imperative that we ask questions, then ask more questions, that we discuss and debate these reforms and that we write and then re-write policies. Let’s hold space for each other’s ideas, compassion, and creativity, as we navigate this new terrain together.
After all:
‘It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.’
Joseph Joubert
When child safety expectations are shared, understood and well-supported, services are better positioned to focus on what matters most: our relationships, wellbeing and quality early learning.
Phoenix Support is here to support you as you navigate these changes with confidence, compassion and integrity as together we advocate for the delight of childhood.
Author: Briana Thorne
The child safety reforms explained
Accuracy note. The information provided in this blog post regarding National and Victorian child safety reforms is accurate as of the publication date, January 2026. However, these reforms are subject to change at any time. For the most up to date and accurate details, we recommend checking the National Quality Framework (NQF), the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA).
Navigating legislative change can feel complex, overwhelming and, at times, confusing. When reforms roll out across different dates, jurisdictions and regulatory bodies, it can be difficult to understand what applies to your role, what needs to change in practice, and why these changes are happening in the first place.
That is where this resource comes in.
This blog collates the current child safety reforms as they are published and in effect as of January 2026, drawing directly from the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and Victorian Government sources. Our intention is to support early learning services to make sense of these changes in a clear, practical and non-alarmist way, focussing on what is required, how this may impact day-to-day practice, and how these reforms align with the intent of the National Quality Framework (NQF).
Why these reforms are happening
Child safety reform across early childhood education and care is occurring in response to:
- national reviews and inquiries into child safety,
- community expectations for stronger accountability,
- evidence that systems must better respond to harm, risk and delayed disclosure.
At a national level, Education Ministers agreed to a comprehensive reform package to strengthen child safety under the National Quality Framework.
Source: ACECQA, Child safety: what’s changing
In Victoria, additional reforms have been introduced to strengthen oversight, enforcement and accountability within early childhood services.
Source: Victorian Government, Child safety reforms: national and Victoria-specific legislative changes
Key national changes
The child safety reforms occur across several phases:
1 September 2025
Operational and reporting changes
1 January 2026
Refinements to the National Quality Standard
Late 2025 to early 2026
Legislative amendments to the National Law
27 February 2026
Further child safety obligations, including the paramount consideration
An overview of the reform timeline is available from ACECQA.
Source: ACECQA, Child safety changes to the National Quality Framework
Step 1: Changes already in effect
From 1 September 2025
Safe use of digital technologies
From 1 September 2025, approved providers are required to have clear policies and procedures for the safe use of:
- digital devices,
- photography and video,
- storage and disposal of digital images,
- online environments and surveillance technologies.
This reflects recognition that child safety includes digital safety, privacy and online risks, alongside physical hazards.
It is important to note that the changes do not:
- require services to use digital devices,
- require CCTV to be installed,
- prohibit documentation platforms,
- prescribe a single ‘correct’ approach to technology use.
The changes require services to identify risk, put safeguards in place, and demonstrate intentional decision-making.
Source: ACECQA, NQF child safety changes from 1 September 2025 and 1 January 2026
Reduced reporting timeframes
The timeframe for notifying the regulatory authority of allegations or incidents involving physical or sexual abuse has reduced.
Source: ACECQA, NQF child safety changes from 1 September 2025 and 1 January 2026
Vaping and prohibited substances
Vaping devices and substances are now explicitly prohibited at education and care services, aligning with broader health and safety protections.
Source: ACECQA, NQF child safety changes from 1 September 2025 and 1 January 2026
Step 2: Changes to the National Quality Standard
From 1 January 2026
From 1 January 2026, the National Quality Standard (NQS) has been refined to strengthen how child safety is embedded and assessed across services.
Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety
Child safety and child protection are now more explicitly emphasised within Quality Area 2, reinforcing:
- protection from harm,
- safe supervision,
- emotional and relational safety,
- alignment with the National Child Safe Principles.
Source: ACECQA, Child safety changes to the National Quality Framework
Quality Area 7: Governance and Leadership
Quality Area 7 now places stronger emphasis on:
- leadership accountability for child safety,
- governance systems that actively support safe practice,
- induction, training and risk management processes.
Authorised Officers will look more closely at how leadership decisions support child safety in practice, as well as whether policies exist.
Source: ACECQA, Child safety changes to the National Quality Framework
Step 3: Legislative changes to the National Law
Late 2025 to early 2026
Together, these changes strengthen regulatory oversight across the whole system. The changes:
- strengthen regulators’ ability to respond to serious concerns,
- increase penalties for non-compliance,
- expand information sharing,
- reinforce child safety as a central responsibility across all roles.
Source: ACECQA, Child safety changes to the National Quality Framework
Extension of the limitation period for proceedings
From 10 December 2025, regulatory authorities have two years from the date they become aware of an alleged offence to commence proceedings, rather than two years from when the offence occurred.
Source: ACECQA, Extending the limitation period for commencing proceedings
This change recognises that disclosures of abuse often occur many years after harm has taken place.
Increased penalties and infringement notices (from 2 January 2026)
Maximum penalties under the National Law and Regulations have been significantly increased, and a broader range of offences may now attract infringement notices.
Source: ACECQA, Changes to maximum penalties and infringement notices
This reinforces the seriousness of child safety obligations.
Paramount consideration: children’s safety comes first (from 27 February 2026)
A new legal requirement establishes that the safety, rights and best interests of children are the paramount consideration in all decisions made within education and care services.
Source: ACECQA, Child safety changes to the National Quality Framework
This applies to:
- staffing and supervision,
- behaviour guidance approaches,
- enrolment and inclusion decisions,
- governance and leadership decisions.
Step 4: National Early Childhood Worker Register
A National Early Childhood Worker Register is being established to improve workforce oversight and child safety across jurisdictions.
Source: ACECQA, Child safety changes to the National Quality Framework
The register aims to:
- prevent unsuitable individuals moving undetected between services,
- improve consistency nationally,
- strengthen regulatory oversight.
Services will be required to record prescribed workforce information and maintain accurate records, working alongside existing Working with Children Check requirements.
Victorian-specific child safety reforms
Victoria has introduced complementary legislative reforms, including:
- increased penalties for serious non-compliance,
- expanded regulatory powers,
- stronger reporting and disclosure obligations,
- alignment with Child Safe Standards.
Source: Victorian Government, Child safety reforms: national and Victoria-specific legislative changes
Information about Victoria’s early childhood regulatory framework is available here:
What you need to do: a shared responsibility
Child safety responsibilities apply to everyone in an education and care setting.
All staff
For all educators, staff and volunteers
- ✓Understand child safety obligations.
- ✓Know how to identify and report concerns.
- ✓Complete required child safety training.
- ✓Reflect on how everyday decisions impact children’s safety.
Source: ACECQA, Child safety
Leaders
For educational leaders and nominated supervisors
- ✓Embed child safety into service culture.
- ✓Support staff understanding and confidence.
- ✓Review supervision, staffing and risk management practices.
Governance
For approved providers and governance bodies
- ✓Review policies and procedures.
- ✓Ensure governance decisions prioritise child safety.
- ✓Monitor compliance and continuous improvement systems.
A final word from Phoenix Support
These reforms are about clarity, accountability and care. We can meet them with confidence, and we each need to understand them. It’s imperative that we ask questions, then ask more questions, that we discuss and debate these reforms and that we write and then re-write policies. Let’s hold space for each other’s ideas, compassion, and creativity, as we navigate this new terrain together.
After all:
‘It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.’
Joseph Joubert
When child safety expectations are shared, understood and well-supported, services are better positioned to focus on what matters most: our relationships, wellbeing and quality early learning.
Phoenix Support is here to support you as you navigate these changes with confidence, compassion and integrity as together we advocate for the delight of childhood.
Author: Briana Thorne