Opposition Calls on Cook Labor Government to Establish Independent Early Childhood Watchdog

Media Release | 25 November 2025
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Liam Staltari MLA
Shadow Minister for Education;
Early Childhood; Disability Services; Heritage

Nick Goiran MLC
Shadow Attorney General; Child Protection

The WA Opposition has urged the Cook Labor Government to establish a new independent early childhood regulator after revelations that just 10 per cent of sexual abuse allegations have resulted in staff being banned from the sector by the Education and Care Regulatory Unit since 2020.

The figures were revealed as part of the ABC’s Stateline investigation into the early childhood sector. The report stated that since 2020 there were 109 investigations into alleged sexual abuse in the childcare sector in WA, but no further action was taken in 97 of these cases.

Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Liam Staltari said the revelations confirmed what many families had been telling him.

“These reports are shocking and, having spoken to families who’ve raised concerns and seen no outcome, they are sadly not surprising,” he said.

“Not every allegation will result in concrete action, but just 10 per cent suggests that something is fundamentally wrong within the system. Given all that we have learnt this year, it’s vital that children and their parents are genuinely listened to.

“The vast majority of childcare workers do an incredible job and we should all acknowledge their hard work and dedication to the children in their care”

Mr Staltari said the issue confirmed that the existing regulator, WA’s Education and Care Regulatory Unit (ECRU) was under-resourced, overstretched and needed more latitude to pursue allegations.

“We need urgent action. We call on the Government to lift ECRU out of the Department of Communities and establish a new independent early childhood regulator with more resources and real teeth,” he said.

“This is what Victoria and New South Wales have done in response to recent revelations and WA can’t afford to be left behind.”

Mr Staltari said the Cook Labor Government’s response had fallen well short, committing only an extra $1.1 million to ECRU compared with South Australia’s investment of five times that amount.

“The watchdog needs more funds because that means more staff, more compliance checks and more scrutiny,” he said.

Shadow Minister for Child Protection Nick Goiran said child sexual abuse was among the most serious allegations imaginable, especially in environments where children should be safe and protected.

“The Cook Labor Government’s pattern of behaviour has been to be lightning fast on announcements but tortoise-like on delivery,” he said.

“A classic example was their announcement last month that boasted the Ombudsman would now provide independent oversight for child-related work. The problem is the Ombudsman does not have that function and there is no legislation is sight to make that happen.

“If the Government moved as fast on reform as it does on spin, WA would already have an independent watchdog. Instead, families are left waiting while children remain at risk.

“Parents aren’t interested in another announcement. They want action.”

Contact: Graham Mason 0419 194 792