Last week saw the appointment of Victorian senator, Jess Walsh, as the new minister for early childhood education.

In the same week, the ABC released an investigation exposing deep structural problems within the childcare industry. The 7.30 Report said the Albanese government has “done little to confront the systemic failures in safety, staffing, and care standards that affect children every day.”

Image: Image: Rory Frasch/ Unsplash

Produced By: Mary-Kate Hannagan

Featured In Story: Daryl Higgins – Director of Child protection studies, Australian Catholic University.

First aired on The Wire, Monday 19 May 2025