23 July 2025
Latest News
A recent incident involving allegations of sexual abuse by a male educator working in early learning (childcare) settings has sparked debate about the ongoing role of men in childcare settings.
The Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) holds the view that now, more than ever, the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector must stand behind all educators and teachers. It is imperative that employers make decisions that value the contribution of all of their staff and uphold their right to work in an environment free from bias.
Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to act without discrimination, while also safeguarding the wellbeing of their staff and the children in their care.
Right now, employers in the early learning sector need to be acutely aware of the unique pressures facing male educators, and remain attentive to how these pressures may be affecting them.
Of equal importance, families utilising early learning services are entitled to transparency. Early learning service providers should communicate openly and clearly about the robust child safety measures they have in place, helping to reassure families and foster their trust.
The ACA's industrial relations legal advisors - the Australian Business Lawyers and Advisors (ABLA) - have produced an article titled "Banning men from work? Risky business", which sets out five reasons why employers operating in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector should not implement sex-based restrictions in response to the recent safety debate in the sector.
We strongly encourage ECEC sector employers and stakeholders to read the full article, to ensure they have a firm understanding of the legal, ethical, and practical implications of imposing sex-based restrictions, and to ensure that they promote best practices that support a safe, inclusive, and fair working environment for all.
The ACA urges the ECEC sector to champion the professionalism and dedication of our entire workforce—regardless of gender. We rightly promote inclusion for all children and families. That same standard must apply to our educators too.
