FDCQ submits comprehensive response to National Child Safety Review
Family Day Care Queensland advocates for sector-specific solutions in landmark regulatory consultation
Family Day Care Queensland (FDCQ) has successfully submitted a comprehensive 13-page response to the National Child Safety Review Consultation Regulation Impact Statement, representing the collective voice of Queensland's Family Day Care sector in this critical national policy process.
The submission, developed through extensive consultation with Queensland FDC service providers, coordinators, staff, and educators, addresses six key reform areas that could significantly impact home-based early childhood education and care operations from 2025 onwards.
Sector-led advocacy for practical solutions
FDCQ's response emphasises the unique context of Family Day Care services and advocates for regulatory approaches that enhance child safety while acknowledging the operational realities of home-based education and care delivery.
"Our submission reflects the professional expertise and real-world experience of Queensland's Family Day Care community," said Stella Conroy, FDCQ CEO. "Through extensive consultation, we've been able to present evidence-based arguments for sensible regulation that strengthens child safety without compromising the sustainability of Family Day Care services."
Key FDCQ advocacy positions
1. Digital device management
FDCQ supports either no change to current legislation or a change that recognises personal device use in conjunction with robust risk-management policies. This position recognises that FDC educators often operate as small businesses requiring personal devices for emergency communication, family contact, and business operations.
2. Mandatory Child Safety training
The organisation strongly supports nationally consistent mandatory child safety training with government funding provisions, ensuring accessibility for rural and remote educators while maintaining training relevance to home-based care contexts.
3. Educator conduct regulations
FDCQ advocates for expanded inappropriate conduct provisions with clear safeguards protecting educators from false accusations—particularly important given the isolated working environment of Family Day Care.
4. Working With Children Checks
Supporting national consistency in WWCC requirements, FDCQ advocates for approved checks before commencing roles and mandatory notification of status changes across all jurisdictions.
5. Physical environment safety
The organisation supports a balanced approach that removes long-term service waivers while retaining emergency temporary waivers, acknowledging the diverse settings where Family Day Care operates, particularly in rural and remote communities.
6. Property access provisions
FDCQ supports expanded authorised officer access in specific circumstances, coupled with clear guidance protecting educator privacy and defining appropriate boundaries for inspections.
National sector alignment strengthens advocacy
FDCQ's submission aligns closely with the national response from Family Day Care Australia, demonstrating unified sector advocacy across state and territory boundaries. This coordination significantly strengthens the collective voice of Family Day Care in national policy discussions.
Key areas of alignment include recognition that FDC requires tailored regulatory approaches, support for practical implementation acknowledging home-based care realities, advocacy for appropriate government support for new requirements, and emphasis on risk management over rigid restrictions.
Implementation timeline and next steps
The consultation period concluded on June 11, 2025, with government analysis expected to continue through August 2025. The Decision Regulation Impact Statement, containing final policy decisions and implementation timelines, is anticipated for release in September 2025.
FDCQ will continue monitoring the policy development process and providing members with regular updates as implementation approaches. The organisation remains committed to supporting services through any regulatory transitions while advocating for practical, sustainable approaches to enhanced child safety.
Supporting Family Day Care excellence
As Queensland's peak representative body for Family Day Care and In Home Care services, FDCQ has advocated for the sector for over 40 years. The organisation's mission to lead, promote, and grow exceptional home-based quality education and care services guides its approach to policy advocacy and member support.
"This submission demonstrates our sector's commitment to both child safety and professional excellence," added Conroy. "Family Day Care educators and service providers consistently show their dedication to providing safe, high-quality education and care in home-based environments, and our advocacy ensures their expertise informs national policy decisions."
Resources and Further Information
Access FDCQ's full submission: Download PDF
Review the national FDCA submission: Read FDCA submission
Original consultation materials: CSR consultation website