Vesta Maudsland Pty Ltd has been fined $13,500, with no conviction recorded, after 2 toddlers in the care of Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure, Maudsland, left the service premises through an unsecured gate on 19 September 2022.
The department, as the Queensland Early Childhood Regulatory Authority, prosecuted Vesta Maudsland Pty Ltd, as the approved provider of the service, following an investigation into the incident.
Vesta Maudsland Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to a total of 2 charges relating to:
- Section 165 of the National Law—Offence to inadequately supervise children
- Section 167 of the National Law—Offence relating to protection of children from harm and hazards.
The fine of $13,500 reflects the seriousness of these offences as these types of incidents can result in a child's serious injury.
On Tuesday 13 August 2024, Magistrate Sarah Thompson, in deciding the defendant's guilt and sentence, found that there had been clear breaches in supervision and that there was a systemic failure by staff to supervise children attending the service.
The Regulatory Authority will continue to work with the early childhood sector to promote supervision and safe environments for children.
If an approved provider’s steps to ensure children’s health and safety are inadequate, the Regulatory Authority will not hesitate to take appropriate action.
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