ACA NSW CEO Chiang Lim recently attended an industry forum conducted by the NSW Ombudsman about child protection across the state.

Of NSW’s 5,233 childcare services, there were over 404,860 children using approved childcare services. The number of notifications received by the NSW Ombudsman about the 2,790 long daycare service providers were 81 in 2010/2011, 80 in 2011/2012, 72 in 2012/2013, 76 in 2013/2014, 135 in 2014/2015 and 114 in 2015/2016.

Notwithstanding, the NSW Ombudsman conceded that there appeared to be a low amount of reporting, which could be due to poor compliance with the reportable conduct scheme, low rate of allegations which meet the reporting threshold, and/or a low rate of reportable conduct incidents taking place.

CEO Chiang Lim learned from some ACA NSW members (to date) that the major problem of the reportable conduct scheme is the extremely low number of successful (and publicly known) prosecutions, and hence a level of faith in the system that should be heightened in order for greater participation to occur.

ACA NSW are looking for members’ feedback and experiences via 1300 556 330 or nsw@childcarealliance.org.au about the current reportable conduct scheme to make it more effective for the protection of children, but ensure that it is streamlined and not be excessive red tape. Chiang is scheduled to discuss child protection further with the NSW Ombudsman, the NSW Department of Education and the police.