In special circumstances, including unexpected events, the Regulatory Authority (the department) may grant a waiver if an approved provider cannot meet relevant requirements of the
Education and Care Services Act 2013 (ECS Act)
Approved providers having difficulty meeting operational requirements such as the following may apply for a waiver:
Read the
ECS19—application for service or temporary waiver form to learn more about the regulatory requirements for which you can seek a waiver.
The approved provider must provide the details and evidence of genuine attempts to comply with the requirement, and how they propose to ensure children’s safety, health and wellbeing during the waiver period.
The ECS19 form contains examples of the type of documentation that approved providers must supply with their application as evidence.
The department considers waivers on a case-by-case basis. When considering an application for a waiver, the department will assess whether the approved provider is operating in compliance with all other requirements of the ECS Act. The department may need to inspect the premises to determine whether to grant or refuse the waiver.
Types of waivers
There are 2 types of waivers:
- service waivers which are ongoing and have no specific expiry date
- temporary waivers which are granted for a period of no more than 12 months.
Conditions on service licences issued under the former
Child Care Act 2002 continue to apply under the ECS Act as waivers.
A service with a waiver is either taken to comply (service waiver), or is not required to comply for up to 12 months (temporary waiver) with the specified prescribed requirement of the ECS Act for which the waiver is sought.
How to apply for a waiver
Read the
ECS19—application for service or temporary waiver form to learn how to apply for a waiver.
You can submit a waiver application including required documentation via post or email to the relevant
regional office.
Timefame for processing a waiver application
Under the ECS Act, the department has up to 60 days to assess a waiver application.
Approved providers should submit their completed application including evidence with their payment at least 60 days before they require a decision.
Approved providers can submit service and waiver applications at the same time.
However the department will only decide the waiver application once service approval is granted.
In some circumstances, changing the service approval application may enable the service to operate without needing a waiver.
For example reducing the number of children attending the service if there is insufficient outdoor space.
More information
Read the relevant legislation on waiver requirements:
Approved providers that temporarily close their service/s due to a disaster or other unexpected event must notify the Regulatory Authority within 24 hours of closure. Further information about how to do this is available on our
early childhood service closures page.
Help and support
If you have questions about waivers, email
ecis@qed.qld.gov.au.