[no bill text published] Entry powers for authorised persons to access child care and home care premises
Early Childhood Education and Care (Strengthening Regulation of Early Education) Bill 2025
1st House
2nd House
Law
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Authorised persons can enter child care or home care premises without consent; they must show their identity card and announce their authority.
The Secretary must approve these entries in writing; they must be satisfied that consent cannot be reasonably obtained for in-home care services.
Authorised persons are banned from using certain Regulatory Powers Act powers if they entered the premises without consent.
Occupiers must provide reasonable facilities and assistance to authorised persons; failure to do so is a criminal offence and carries a civil penalty.
The Secretary must consider quality and safety records when deciding whether to approve a provider.
Providers must use electronic funds transfers for payments; family day care and in-home care payments must go to a nominated bank account or payment gateway.
Providers must take reasonable steps to collect unpaid hourly session fees after a fee reduction decision.
The Secretary must notify providers if they refuse approval, impose conditions, or issue an infringement notice.