To ensure children are safe, supported and thriving, the Queensland Department of Education is strengthening current approaches and introducing a range of new initiatives and programs. These are designed to empower the sector and educators to further enhance safety and uphold the highest standards of quality care and include legislative amendments.
In addition, Queensland is also working closely with other states and territories, as well as the early childhood sector and experts, to expand safety measures and boost the quality of education and care services across the sector.
Strengthening child safety in early childhood education and care
National Child Safety Reforms that are the most significant for the sector since the introduction of the National Quality Framework are underway. These reforms recognise and support the dedicated, committed early childhood educators who are our greatest asset in caring for, educating and keeping our children safe.
On 15 July 2026, Education Ministers agreed on additional reforms to further strengthen child safety in early childhood education and care. Read the
communique (PDF, 234KB).
Key dates
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22 August 2025—ministers agreed to the
Decision Regulation Impact Statement and outcomes from public consultation.
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1 September 2025—regulatory amendments begin
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9 December 2025—passage of the
Early Childhood Legislation Amendment (Child Safety) Act 2025
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10 December 2025—National Quality Framework (NQF) legislative amendments commence: changes to statute of limitations; enhancing Regulatory Authorities' ability to share information with current approved providers, information sharing provisions with recruitment agencies, and penalties for providing false or misleading information to an approved provider or recruitment agency about a prohibition notice
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1 January 2026
- changes to the National Quality Standard commence
- Child Safe Standards apply to Queensland services
- removal of rest period conditions in Queensland
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2 January 2026—NQF legislative amendments commence: penalty infringement notices and increased penalty amounts
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27 February 2026—all NQF legislative amendments now in effect, including mandatory national child safety training and use of the National Early Childhood Worker Register. The sector has until 27 August to complete the Foundation level child safety training
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31 March 2026—National consultation on child safety reforms (until 28 April 2026)
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1 July 2026—Reportable Conduct Scheme begins for Queensland services
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31 July 2026—Advanced child safety training launched
Initiatives