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Interim report calls for flexible childcare system, improved regional access and supports for families across all service types in Gippsland

Victoria’s childcare inquiry interim report urges stronger child safety, improved regulation, workforce standards and better regional access across the early childhood education sector.

By news@gippsland - 10th April 2026 - Back to News

An interim report into the Inquiry into Victoria’s Early Childhood Education and Care sector has been tabled in state parliament, highlighting the need to prioritise child safety while examining safety standards, regulation, workforce conditions and oversight.

Gippsland childcare inquiry interim report prioritises child safety, regulation, workforce standards and oversight improvements

Child safety priority

The Nationals’ Melina Bath, a member of the Select Committee conducting the Inquiry, welcomed the interim report, saying it reinforces the need to explicitly put child safety ahead of box‑ticking compliance. The parliamentary inquiry was initiated following disturbing alleged incidents which exposed systemic issues across the sector.

Ms Bath said one of the strongest messages is, having the right paperwork is not the same as ensuring children in childcare are safe, protected and supported in every room, every day. "While compliance provides structure, child safety is paramount and must guide all decisions. I thank all the educators who shared their experiences with the inquiry. Their evidence highlighted the importance of caring for children in a system that truly supports child safety."

Early childhood access

The interim report also addressed access and highlighted Victoria needs a mixed and flexible early childhood system to address gaps, particularly in regional areas. Ms Bath said demand and support for all working families must be addressed, and there should be no ideological divide between for profit, not for profit, community or council run services.

"In rural and regional Victoria there are childcare deserts that create a barrier to return to work, families need policies that expand access to care, not diminish it. This inquiry into the early childhood education and care sector is critical, and I look forward to a final report that recommends positive change by safeguarding all children in care and delivering better supported families," she said. The final report is due by 31 July 2026.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
• Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
  The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife.
• Parliamentary inquiry reveals CFA resource shortfalls after years of Labor neglect, leaving Gippsland communities increasingly vulnerable
  A Parliamentary inquiry has highlighted declining CFA volunteer numbers, ageing firefighting vehicles, workforce shortages and poor fuel management, prompting Nationals' Danny O'Brien to demand urgent action to protect Gippsland communities.
• Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
  A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.
• Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
  Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts.
• Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
  Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign.
• The Nationals pledge weekly rubbish collection for Gippsland households to ease costs and improve waste services
  The Nationals have pledged weekly general rubbish collections across Gippsland, promising to review landfill levies and waste charges to reduce costs and ease pressure on families.
• Victoria funds hundreds of landcare projects with $3.58M environmental investment across communities and regions
  Victoria’s 2026 Landcare Grants provide $3.58 million statewide, including $337,250 for West Gippsland projects restoring habitat, waterways and landscapes while supporting volunteers, families and young people.
• Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to include the region among Victoria's three free dental clinic locations
  Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to select Latrobe City for a free regional dental clinic, improving affordable healthcare access and reducing cost-of-living pressures.
• Martin Cameron seeks government answers over delays threatening Latrobe Magnesium's commercial project and regional investment
  Martin Cameron is pressing the Victorian government over delays affecting Latrobe Magnesium’s commercial project, warning investment and hundreds of Latrobe Valley jobs could be lost.
• Martin Cameron renews call for PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, citing rising Gippsland public transport crime figures
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron has renewed calls for PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, citing a 49 percent increase in Gippsland public transport crime between 2021 and 2024.
• Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
  Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes.
• Darren Chester congratulates Gippsland Agricultural Group on successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale
  Darren Chester has praised the successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale, highlighting industry collaboration, innovation, productivity and the need to reduce red tape for farming families.
• Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
  Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is.
• Five additional VLocity train sets to boost Gippsland Line capacity and ease crowding as the Nationals commitment
  The Nationals will add five VLocity train sets to Gippsland services, providing 1,110 extra seats and enabling longer trains during peak periods to ease overcrowding on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.