The role of communities in childcare

The Age

02-07-2025

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Like many, I am shocked and sickened by the latest allegations of abuse occurring in childcare centres. I was involved in campaigns for universal, affordable, quality childcare in the '70s and '80s when services were largely provided by community groups, churches and local government with funding from federal sources. We campaigned successfully for a range of services to meet community needs. There were clear regulations about space, staff-child ratios, quality of food provision, and there was oversight.
The Howard government changed the framework by opening the sector to for-profit organisations. The service attracted big corporations and childcare chains – there were corporate collapses, such as ABC Learning, often inadequate staffing and accusations of financial misconduct. For-profits now provide 75 per cent of childcare centres and there has obviously been inadequate oversight and regulation. Too often profit comes before care. So we are all justly horrified by the latest accusations of abuse. Childcare is an essential service for families. It is part of early childhood learning and good for children's development. The Albanese government recognises this and has raised wages for poorly paid workers and has put more funds into the sector. It is a community responsibility, as are our schools. We must ensure that the staff are well-trained and paid, that there are ratios, that it is well-regulated and supported, and provided where needed. And we need to rethink our priorities. Where do we want our tax dollars to go: to universal, affordable, quality community childcare or more daycare nightmares? For me, I want it in community hands.
Anne Sgro, Coburg North
Many good men work in the sector
I, too, was devastated with the news of the daycare nightmare allegations. All parents have the right to safe and happy childcare for their children. The Age reports (' Innocent male workers will leave sector in charges wake ', 2/7) that parents 'took to social media to decry men working in the learning learning sector' and that parents are considering removing their children from centres if a male educator worked there. This is not the solution. Many good men work in the child care industry, and at kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools. And we need men in these areas. We need kind, good male role models for our children throughout their lives. This horrendous accusation should not negate the importance of our children experiencing the support of both good female and male educators throughout their lives.
Mary-Jane Boughen, Murrumbeena
No check will ever be foolproof
The allegations of child sexual abuse by a childcare worker are truly horrific, and my heart goes out to those parents and children affected. It has led to calls for stricter or changed Working with Children checks, and while the checks would be improved by cross border co-operation, no check will ever catch all future alleged abusers. Whether it is comprehensive checks for working with children, police checks for directors, checks for gun licences, or any other, all a clear comprehensive check really tells us is that the person hasn't offended yet, or hasn't been caught yet. There is no check which can ensure a person will not offend in the future in whatever field the check covers. We cannot make childcare risk free; we can only mitigate the risk. It will also be very unfortunate if this case results in fewer men in childcare. There have been cases of female child sexual abusers, and we must take the risk that women will offend or be without childcare entirely. Children need both female and male role models in their lives, as safe as we can make them, but unfortunately life cannot be entirely risk free.
Louise Kloot, Doncaster
THE FORUM
Call out racism
In the land that proudly calls itself multicultural, the ugly shadow of racism still lingers. From casual slurs whispered in workplaces, to systemic inequalities affecting First Nations peoples, migrants, and refugees, it is time we acknowledged racism is not a relic of the past — it is still very much alive in Australia.
Many of us grew up hearing that Australia was the ″⁣fair go″⁣ country — a place where everyone had a chance to succeed. And yet, there is discrimination because of skin colour, religion, name, accent or cultural background. I have endured most of this in my almost 70 years here.
Media must do far more to amplify diverse voices and challenge stereotypes, and criticise those politicians who promote racism. To remain silent is to be complicit. As citizens, we have a moral responsibility to confront racism — in our institutions, in our communities, and within ourselves.
Australia must do better. Not just for those who suffer the sting of racism every day, but for the country we aspire to be.
Ange Kenos, Niddrie
Women, rise up
If you look at the countries at the forefront of all the major conflicts in the world all are led by men. This despite the fact that women make up roughly half the population on the planet. The only way this can ever change is if women rise up and challenge this imbalance and take their rightful equal place in the leadership of countries. Providing quotas in a democratic country is just one small step towards achieving this.
David Parker, Geelong West
Wrong priorities
Development Victoria has announced the construction of a $350 million three-storey building in the Albert Park reserve. The proposed development is presented as a community/sports centre rather than a pit building and entertainment space for the annual four-day F1 car racing. Victoria has far more urgent needs.
Geoff Gowers, Merricks North