Why are Australian childcare centers closing early?

Childcare centers are closing early five times a year for mandatory safety training for staff, aimed at improving child protection.

When do the new childcare training closures begin?

The new closures for mandatory safety training will commence in February.

How much is the Australian government spending on childcare safety training?

The federal government is allocating $40 million of previously budgeted funds for these closures and the new safety training program.

Home / Education / Australia Boosts Childcare Safety with Mandatory Training Closures

Australia Boosts Childcare Safety with Mandatory Training Closures

30 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Childcare centers will close one hour early five times annually for safety training.
This initiative is a response to recent alleged child abuse incidents in the sector.
The federal government will fund $40 million for the new training program.

Australia Boosts Childcare Safety with Mandatory Training Closures

Starting in February, Australian childcare centers will implement early closures five times annually, shutting down at 5 pm for mandatory staff safety training. This significant reform comes in response to a concerning increase in reported alleged abuse cases within the sector. The federal government has committed $40 million to support the development and rollout of this crucial training.

The training, developed by the Australian Centre for Child Protection, is designed to equip educators with the skills to detect, intervene, and report instances of child abuse effectively. Ministers have stressed that prioritizing the upskilling of childcare workers is paramount to ensuring the safety and well-being of children.