Australia shuts down nearly 600 childcare services for substandard care

Australian regulators shut down nearly 600 childcare services in the last quarter due to substandard care, a dramatic twentyfold increase from the previous year. This crackdown targets "dodgy and underperforming providers" across federal, state, and territory levels.

Regulators canceled the operating approvals for 589 services, meaning they lost access to government funding and can no longer legally function. Additionally, authorities issued 1,538 compliance notices, putting providers on alert for not meeting standards – double the number issued last year. These actions follow significant pressure on governments to enhance safety and quality in the childcare sector, particularly after allegations of child sexual abuse and safety breaches.

Education Minister Jason Clare highlighted progress, stating that the proportion of childcare services meeting national quality standards has risen from 88% in 2022 to 92%. He noted that enforcement actions are at record highs and that legislation has been introduced to cut funding for subpar centers. "This is a good sign. But there is more to do," Clare said.

In other news, a man in New South Wales faces charges for allegedly threatening violence against a female Member of Parliament via social media. Meanwhile, the government has requested the consumer watchdog to develop national safety standards for e-bikes due to a recent surge in related injuries, with NSW recording a significant increase in e-bike incidents in 2025.

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Enforcement action is at record highs. The percentage of services meeting the national quality and safety standards is at the highest level ever as well. We have also introduced legislation to cut funding to centres that aren’t up to scratch … This is a good sign. But there is more to do.