Head of Victoria's new childcare watchdog vows to protect kids
Wendy Steendam has been appointed as the head of Victoria's new childcare regulator, the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA). She assures parents that the state's childcare system is safe despite previous allegations of abuse. Steendam aims to improve the system and ensure that children are protected in early childhood care settings.
- ▪Wendy Steendam will lead VECRA starting July 1 after a long career in law enforcement.
- ▪She emphasizes that the recent allegations of abuse are not representative of the entire system.
- ▪VECRA is increasing inspections and recruiting more investigators to enhance childcare safety.
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Head of Victoria's new childcare regulator says centres are safe despite multiple abuse allegationsExclusive by Victorian state political reporter Richard WillinghamTopic:Early Childhood Education and Care ServicesMon 25 May 2026 at 5:14amMon 25 May 2026 at 5:14amMon 25 May 2026 at 5:14amWendy Steendam has vowed to improve the state's childcare system. (ABC News: Patrick Rocca)In short:The head of Victoria's new childcare watchdog says the state's early childhood centres are safe, despite multiple allegations against former staff.Former deputy police commissioner Wendy Steendam has been appointed to lead the new industry body, the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority.What's next?Ms Steendam will begin in the role in…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).