WA Child Safety Reforms Commence 1 November 2026: What Every Childcare Service Needs to Know

Perfect for Understanding the 15 Key Changes Explained following the ECRU webinar on 21 October 2026 

By BEST Childcare Consulting

BEST Childcare Consulting attended the Department of Communities webinar on 21 October 2026, outlining the significant changes coming to WA’s Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations. The Department confirmed that the amendments will commence in WA on 1 November 2026, bringing WA into alignment with the national child safety reforms already introduced in other Australian jurisdictions.

For those who missed the webinar, we have compiled a comprehensive article covering the 15 key reform topics, important compliance deadlines, practical implications for WA services and links to official resources available NOW.

BEST has taken the information presented during the webinar, researched the relevant ACECQA and government resources currently available, and done our best to explain what these changes mean for WA services in clear, practical terms.

For those unable to attend, we have compiled a summary of the 15 key reform topics discussed, including important dates, practical implications and links to resources available NOW. 

We have also included other legislative changes mentioned during the webinar, particularly those affecting early childhood teacher requirements and educator-to-child ratios.

Some WA-specific details are still being finalised, so this article reflects information available as at 21 October 2026. Services should check the updated WA legislation once published.

BEST Childcare Consulting will continue sharing updates as new information becomes available to help WA services stay informed, prepared and compliant.

Please note: This article reflects the information presented by the Department of Communities on 21 October 2026, together with supporting ACECQA resources. It should not be interpreted as a complete explanation of the legislation. WA specific provisions and transitional arrangements must be checked against the updated legislation once published.

Why Are These Changes Being Introduced?

The Department explained that the reforms arose from the ACECQA Child Safety Review published in December 2023. The review resulted in significant regulatory and non-regulatory reforms intended to strengthen child safety across education and care services.

The changes have been introduced through three legislative instruments, including amendments made in December 2025 and February 2026. Other jurisdictions commenced these changes at different times, while WA has needed to incorporate them into its applied legislation.

The Department acknowledged the proactive response of the WA sector, with many services already voluntarily implementing new requirements ahead of their formal commencement.

Important: Always Refer to the WA Version of the Legislation

One of the strongest messages from the webinar was that WA services must refer to the WA versions of the National Law and National Regulations.

This is particularly important because WA has made modifications to some national requirements, including extending certain compliance deadlines.

The Department advised that a reference table identifying the relevant legislative sections, regulations and WA modifications would be published on the ECRU website, expected during the week commencing 26 October 2026. The consolidated WA legislation is expected to be available from 1 November 2026.

Services should refer to:

Until these documents become available, services should be cautious about relying on national guidance without checking whether WA-specific modifications apply.

What Information Is Available Now — and What Is Still to Come?

ACECQA has already published a range of information sheets, practical resources and guidance explaining the national Child Safety Amendments.

These are valuable resources for WA services to begin reviewing policies, procedures and everyday practices.

However, many ACECQA resources refer to national commencement dates, including 27 February 2026, which differ from the WA commencement date.

Available now: ACECQA’s national child safety information sheets, guides, training resources and legislative reform summaries.

Expected next week: The Department of Communities’ reference table identifying the legislative provisions and WA-specific modifications for each of the 15 reform topics.

Expected from 1 November 2026: The consolidated WA versions of the National Law and National Regulations incorporating the new amendments.

A particularly useful starting point is ACECQA’s NQF Child Safety Tools, which brings together many of the information sheets relevant to these reforms. 

The 15 Child Safety Reform Topics Discussed

1. National Early Childhood Worker Register — What WA Services Need to Know

The new National Early Childhood Worker Register is intended to strengthen child safety by improving the information available about people working in education and care services across Australia.

The Register forms part of the National Quality Agenda IT System (NQA ITS) and requires approved providers to record and maintain information about their workforce, including relevant staff members, volunteers and students.

What Did the Department Confirm During the Webinar?

The Department confirmed that WA services have a transitional compliance deadline of 30 November 2026 to ensure their existing workers are recorded on the Register.

Following this date, newly engaged workers must be recorded within 14 days of engagement. Approved providers must also ensure that worker information is kept accurate and updated within the applicable legislative timeframes.

Relevant provisions include sections 225(1) and 269A–269H of the National Law and regulations 154A and 154B.

Who Is Responsible for Registering Workers?

Approved providers are responsible for entering and maintaining worker information through the NQA IT System. Individual educators do not register themselves.

Services should ensure that information is recorded for all relevant personnel, including educators, nominated supervisors, staff members, volunteers and students, as applicable.

The Register also includes information relating to mandatory child safety training, allowing approved providers to record relevant Foundation and Advanced training completion.

Where Do Services Access the Register?

The National Early Childhood Worker Register is already available, and WA services can begin using it NOW.

What Should WA Services Do Now?

BEST recommends that approved providers check their existing worker records, confirm that all relevant personnel have been entered correctly and establish procedures for keeping the Register up to date.

This includes ensuring that someone within the service has clear responsibility for maintaining the information when staff commence, leave or complete required training.

Importantly, the Register should not be treated as a one-off administrative exercise. Maintaining accurate worker information will become an ongoing compliance responsibility.

Available NOW: The National Early Childhood Worker Register, ACECQA guidance and the NQA IT System are already accessible.

Expected from 1 November 2026: The updated WA National Law and Regulations incorporating the Worker Register requirements, together with the Department’s reference table confirming the WA-specific transitional arrangements.

Important WA Deadline: 30 November 2026 — Existing workers must be recorded on the National Early Childhood Worker Register by this date, as confirmed during the Department of Communities webinar on 21 October 2026.

2. Mandatory Child Protection and Child Safety Training — What WA Services Need to Know

The Department confirmed that the new mandatory training requirements will commence in Western Australia on 1 November 2026, with a transitional compliance deadline of 30 April 2027 for existing personnel.

The amendments introduce two related requirements under the National Law:

  • Section 162A — Child Protection Training: Approved providers must ensure relevant staff and volunteers complete the child protection training prescribed for their state or territory.
  • Section 162B — Child Safety Training: Approved providers must ensure relevant personnel complete the new national child safety training, including Foundation and Advanced training according to their roles.

Importantly, ACECQA has confirmed that Western Australia has approved the free Foundations of Child Safety Training through Geccko as its prescribed child protection training. This means educators do not need to complete a separate course solely to satisfy the new section 162A requirement, provided they have completed the approved Foundation training.

However, staff must still understand and comply with their obligations under WA child protection legislation, including mandatory reporting requirements where applicable. We explain this further under Point 6.

What Training Must Staff Complete?

The mandatory national child safety training is delivered free through the Australian Government’s Geccko learning platform and consists of five courses.

Foundation Training — Required for All Relevant Personnel

  • Course 1: Understanding Child Safety
  • Course 2: Understanding and Identifying Child Abuse and Neglect

Advanced Training — Depending on the Person’s Role

  • Course 3: Creating Child Safe Cultures Through Everyday Practice
  • Course 4: Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
  • Course 5: Leading and Governing Child Safety

The training required depends on the person’s role within the service.

RoleRequired courses
Persons with management or controlFoundation Courses 1–2 and Advanced Course 5
Nominated supervisors and persons in day-to-day chargeFoundation Courses 1–2 and Advanced Courses 3–5
Educators and staff working directly with childrenFoundation Courses 1–2 and Advanced Courses 3–4
Staff not working directly with children, volunteers and relevant studentsFoundation Courses 1–2

When Must the Training Be Completed in WA?

The Department confirmed that WA has a transitional compliance deadline of 30 April 2027 for the mandatory training requirements.

For newly engaged personnel, the webinar identified the following timeframes:

  • Foundation Training: Within 14 days of engagement, or before commencing work directly with children, whichever occurs first.
  • Advanced Training: Within three months of engagement or appointment to a relevant role.

Services should confirm how these timeframes apply during WA’s transitional period when the updated WA legislation and ECRU reference table become available.

ACECQA also advises that Foundation and Advanced training must be refreshed every two years.

What Should Approved Providers Do Now?

Approved providers should identify the training required for each position, ensure staff have access to Geccko, retain completion certificates and maintain accurate training records.

Completion of Foundation and Advanced training must also be recorded separately in the National Early Childhood Worker Register, where applicable.

Importantly, training completed before the WA commencement date may be recognised under the transitional provisions discussed during the webinar.

Further Information and Training Available NOW:

Expected from 1 November 2026: Updated WA provisions under sections 162A and 162B and regulations 128A–128E, including WA-specific transitional arrangements. The Department’s reference table is expected to provide further clarification.

3. Working with Children Checks — No Card, No Start: What Actually Applies in WA?

One of the most important clarifications from the Department of Communities webinar concerned Working with Children Checks (WWCCs), particularly the proposed “No Card, No Start” requirement.

There has been considerable confusion across the WA early childhood sector about whether educators can commence employment while waiting for their WWC Card, whether a receipt is sufficient and which legislative changes have already commenced.

What did the Department confirm on 21 October 2026?

The Department advised that WA has not yet implemented the proposed No Card, No Start amendment to the Education and Care Services National Regulations. The proposed new regulation 384 is not commencing on 1 November 2026, and further legislative changes are expected.

However, the Department encouraged services to adopt a cautious approach and consider implementing No Card, No Start as a child safety measure.

What does the current WA Working with Children Check legislation say?

Under the existing WA Working with Children legislation, a person who is required to hold a WWC Check can generally commence or continue child-related work while their application is being assessed, provided they have a valid pending application and are not otherwise prohibited from working.

An application receipt is evidence that an application has been lodged. However, there are important exceptions, including individuals with a negative notice, interim negative notice or certain serious criminal charges or convictions.

Services must not assume that everyone holding an application receipt is automatically permitted to work.

Importantly, a pending application is not the same as a completed and cleared WWC Check.

Where Can WA Services Check the Current Requirements?

The official WA Working with Children Check information is provided by the Department of Communities. Services should use this website rather than relying solely on national ACECQA information, which may describe requirements applying in other jurisdictions.

Official WA Working with Children Check Resources:

An Additional Consideration — Child Care Subsidy Requirements

Approved providers should also be aware that Commonwealth Child Care Subsidy requirements operate alongside WA screening legislation.

The Australian Government advises that providers have additional obligations concerning WWCCs, including ensuring relevant individuals have current checks and meeting notification requirements. In particular, sessions of care provided by educators without a current WWCC may be ineligible for Child Care Subsidy.

This means that a worker being permitted to undertake child-related work under WA screening legislation does not necessarily resolve all of a service’s obligations under Commonwealth funding arrangements.

Services should check the Commonwealth requirements before allowing a person with a pending application to provide care.

Australian Government Department of Education — Working with Children Checks and Child Care Subsidy

What Should Services Do Now?

BEST recommends that approved providers and nominated supervisors review their recruitment and WWCC verification procedures, including how they check application receipts, confirm card validity, record expiry dates and respond to changes in a worker’s screening status.

Where a worker has a pending application, services should carefully consider the person’s eligibility to work, applicable Commonwealth requirements, supervision arrangements and the risks involved before permitting them to commence.

Expected After 1 November 2026: Updated WA National Law and Regulations will clarify the amendments commencing on that date. However, the Department confirmed that the proposed No Card, No Start regulation is not yet coming into operation. Further information about its implementation is still awaited.

4. Paramount Consideration — Child Safety Comes First

The reforms reinforce that the safety, rights and best interests of children must be the paramount consideration when providing education and care. This means children’s safety must be prioritised in all decisions made by approved providers, nominated supervisors, educators and other staff.

During the webinar, the Department described paramount consideration as a “continuous state of mind”, rather than something considered only when an incident occurs or a decision needs to be made.

Relevant provisions include sections 2A and 3(3) of the National Law.

For services, this means considering children’s safety in everyday decisions about supervision, staffing, environments, interactions, policies, procedures and risk management. It also extends to management decisions concerning budgets, staffing arrangements, resource allocation and operational priorities.

ACECQA’s Green Book — NQF Child Safe Culture Guide

ACECQA has developed the NQF Child Safe Culture Guide, commonly referred to as the Green Book, to help services strengthen their child-safe culture and embed children’s safety, rights and wellbeing throughout their organisation.

The guide addresses leadership and governance, professional conduct, identifying and managing risks, responding to concerns, listening to children’s voices and creating environments where children feel safe, respected and supported.

Importantly, it includes a Child Safe Culture Self-Assessment and Risk Assessment Tool, which approved providers and nominated supervisors can work through with their teams to evaluate existing practices, identify gaps and plan improvements.

Do Services Have to Complete the Green Book?

Although the underlying child safety obligations are mandatory, there is currently no separate legislative requirement to complete and submit ACECQA’s Green Book self-assessment.

However, completing the assessment provides a valuable opportunity for services to demonstrate how they are identifying and managing child safety risks, critically reflecting on their practices and implementing meaningful improvements.

BEST strongly recommends that services complete the Green Book self-assessment, involve educators and management in the process, and incorporate identified improvements into their Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).

This should not simply become another document kept in the office. The real value is in bringing the findings into everyday practice and ensuring children’s safety genuinely influences decisions throughout the service.

Further Information and Resources Available NOW:

Expected from 1 November 2026: The updated WA National Law incorporating sections 2A and 3(3), together with the Department’s reference table identifying the relevant legislative provisions and any WA-specific modifications.

5. Tripled Penalties and Additional Infringement Offences

The Department confirmed that penalty amounts under the National Law have been tripled, alongside an expansion of infringement notice offences.

One example provided was section 165, concerning inadequate supervision, where the maximum penalty amount illustrated in the presentation increased from $11,400 to $34,200.

The purpose is to provide a stronger deterrent against breaches of legislative requirements.

The presentation also referred to section 291 and regulation 190 concerning infringement notices.

For approved providers and nominated supervisors, this reinforces the financial and regulatory consequences of non-compliance. Services should review their compliance systems and ensure that legislative requirements are consistently reflected in everyday practice.

Further information available now: ACECQA — Changes to Maximum Penalties and Infringement Notices. This information sheet explains the increased maximum penalties and additional infringement offences. 

Expected from 1 November: The updated WA legislation identifying the maximum penalties and infringement provisions applying in WA.

6. Awareness of Child Protection Law — Regulation 84 and Mandatory Reporting

The amendments to Regulation 84 strengthen the requirement for approved providers to ensure nominated supervisors, persons in day-to-day charge, staff members and volunteers, including relevant students, are aware of current child protection legislation and understand their individual obligations under that law.

During the webinar, the Department specifically highlighted the wording “whether or not the person works with children”.

This means that child protection awareness is not limited to educators working directly with children. Relevant administration staff, cooks, other service employees and volunteers must also understand their responsibilities.

How Is This Different from Mandatory Reporting?

Mandatory reporting is one part of child protection law, but Regulation 84 extends beyond knowing when to make a mandatory report.

In WA, mandatory reporting legislation establishes specific legal reporting obligations for certain professionals, including early childhood educators, in circumstances involving a belief formed on reasonable grounds that a child has been or is being sexually abused.

Regulation 84 requires relevant personnel to understand the child protection law applicable to their roles. This includes recognising indicators of abuse or neglect, responding appropriately to disclosures or concerns, understanding reporting obligations and knowing how to escalate child protection concerns.

Importantly, not every staff member necessarily has identical mandatory reporting obligations under WA legislation. However, all relevant service personnel must understand their responsibilities and the procedures they must follow when concerns arise.

Is Additional Training Required Under Regulation 84?

ACECQA has confirmed that Western Australia’s prescribed child protection training under section 162A is the free Foundations of Child Safety Training delivered through Geccko.

This is the same Foundation training discussed under Point 2 of this article. Therefore, there is no separate additional Geccko course required solely because of Regulation 84.

However, completing the prescribed training does not remove the ongoing responsibility to understand and apply WA child protection law.

What About WA Mandatory Reporting Training?

The WA Department of Communities also provides free Mandatory Reporting Training, which remains a valuable resource for educators and other relevant personnel.

Although this training is not separately listed by ACECQA as WA’s prescribed course under section 162A, it provides practical, WA-specific information about identifying child sexual abuse, responding to disclosures and understanding reporting responsibilities.

BEST recommends that services continue to provide appropriate WA mandatory reporting education and refresher opportunities, particularly for educators and other staff with mandatory reporting responsibilities.

What Should Approved Providers Do Now?

Approved providers should ensure staff understand their responsibilities under WA child protection law, know how to respond to concerns and disclosures, and are familiar with their service’s child protection policies and reporting procedures.

Services should also review induction processes, staff meeting discussions and professional development to ensure child protection awareness is maintained in everyday practice rather than treated simply as a training certificate.

Further Information and Training Available NOW:

Expected from 1 November 2026: The amended WA Regulation 84, confirming the strengthened child protection awareness requirements and their application to relevant service personnel.

7. Electronic Devices in Early Childhood Education and Care

The amendments introduce a new Part 6A into the National Law, sections 175A–175J, addressing the use of electronic devices in education and care services. The purpose is to reduce opportunities for electronic devices to be misused and strengthen protections for children, particularly concerning the capturing, storing and sharing of images.

The Department also referred to new record-keeping requirements under regulations 179A and 179B.

The webinar discussed the differences between personal devices, service-authorised devices and service-supplied devices. These distinctions are particularly important because the requirements differ between centre-based services and Family Day Care.

ACECQA’s Green Book and Blue Book — Have You Completed Your Self-Assessments?

ACECQA has developed two comprehensive NQF Child Safety Guides that are particularly relevant to these reforms.

The Green Book — NQF Child Safe Culture Guide

This guide focuses on creating and maintaining a child-safe culture throughout the service. It addresses governance, leadership, staff conduct, identifying risks, responding to concerns and incidents, and ensuring children feel safe and are listened to.

It includes a Child Safe Culture Self-Assessment and Risk Assessment Tool, which services can use to evaluate their existing practices, identify gaps and document improvements.

The Blue Book — NQF Online Safety Guide

This guide focuses specifically on protecting children when using digital technologies and online environments.

It addresses electronic devices, photography, image storage, sharing information with families, online risks, privacy, digital platforms and the safe use of technology by educators and children.

It also includes an Online Safety Self-Assessment and Risk Assessment Tool, which is particularly relevant to the new electronic device requirements.

Are These Assessments Mandatory?

ACECQA strongly encourages approved providers and services to implement the practices outlined in both guides. However, there is currently no standalone legislative requirement to complete and submit the Green Book or Blue Book self-assessment tools.

Nevertheless, the underlying child safety obligations are mandatory, and these tools provide a practical way to assess whether your service is meeting those responsibilities.

Our recommendation from BEST: Approved providers and nominated supervisors should work through both self-assessment tools with their teams, identify areas requiring improvement and document the actions taken. This provides valuable evidence of critical reflection, risk management and continuous quality improvement, particularly in Quality Areas 2 and 7.

Importantly, completing the tools should not be treated as a paperwork exercise. Services should be able to demonstrate that identified risks have been addressed and that child-safe practices are consistently implemented throughout the service.

Resources available NOW:

Expected from 1 November 2026: The updated WA legislation incorporating sections 175A–175J and regulations 179A–179B, including any WA-specific modifications. Services should check these provisions against their existing electronic device policies and practices.

8. Inappropriate Conduct Towards Children

New section 166A introduces an explicit prohibition against subjecting children to inappropriate conduct while they are being educated and cared for at a service.

The Department explained that this aligns with the broader principle that children’s safety and wellbeing must be the paramount consideration.

This reinforces the importance of professional conduct, respectful interactions, appropriate behaviour guidance and strong child-safe organisational cultures.

Services should consider how inappropriate conduct is addressed through staff induction, professional development, supervision and reporting procedures.

Further information available now: ACECQA — Inappropriate Conduct Information Sheet. This is particularly valuable because it explains the difference between inappropriate conduct and inappropriate discipline, provides practical examples and discusses preventative measures. 

Expected from 1 November: The commencement of section 166A in WA, as explained in the updated legislation.

9. Directions to Suspend, Supervise or Undertake Training

The reforms provide the Regulatory Authority with additional powers to intervene where concerns arise about a person working in an education and care service.

Under sections 178A–178E, the Regulatory Authority may issue directions requiring particular individuals to be suspended, supervised or to undertake training.

These powers may apply to nominated supervisors, staff members and volunteers, with the relevant directions issued to the appropriate person or approved provider.

The Department explained that show-cause processes generally apply, except in circumstances involving an immediate risk to a child’s safety, health or wellbeing where urgent intervention is necessary.

This represents an expansion of the regulator’s ability to respond to child safety concerns involving individual workers.

Further information available now: ACECQA — Child Safety Reforms Overview. The national overview identifies the expanded regulatory intervention powers, although a dedicated information sheet on sections 178A–178E has not been identified.

Expected from 1 November: The updated WA provisions explaining the Regulatory Authority’s powers, relevant directions and review processes.

10. Family Day Care — Approval of Areas Used for Education and Care

The amendments strengthen the responsibilities of Family Day Care approved providers (schemes) when assessing and approving the areas of a residence or venue where children will receive education and care.

Under the existing regulations, Family Day Care approved providers must assess each residence or venue before education and care commences and undertake reassessments at least annually. The new amendments go further by requiring approved providers to formally determine which areas of a Family Day Care residence are suitable and approved for children to use.

Importantly, the assessment must also consider potential risks in areas surrounding the residence that children may be able to access, even if those areas are not intended to be used for education and care.

What Does This Mean in Everyday Practice?

For example, a Family Day Care educator may use their lounge room, kitchen, bathroom and enclosed backyard for education and care. Other parts of the property, such as bedrooms, a garage, garden shed, workshop or storage areas, may not be approved for children’s use.

Under the new requirements, the approved provider must clearly identify and document which areas have been assessed and approved for education and care. The assessment must also consider whether children could access other areas and what risks those areas might present.

For example, an adjoining garage may contain chemicals, tools or other hazardous equipment. Even if the garage is not part of the approved education and care environment, the scheme must consider whether children could gain access and whether appropriate safety measures are in place.

Who Is Responsible — The Educator or the Scheme?

The amendments reinforce that the approved provider is responsible for assessing and approving the areas of the residence suitable for education and care.

Family Day Care educators remain responsible for maintaining a safe environment, implementing risk management measures and informing their scheme about changes to the premises that may affect children’s safety.

This means an educator should not simply begin using an additional room, outdoor area or other part of their property for education and care without the approved provider assessing and approving that area.

Do Existing Residences Need to Be Reassessed Immediately?

ACECQA’s national guidance explains that the new assessment requirements apply to new assessments and the next annual reassessment, rather than requiring every existing Family Day Care residence to be retrospectively reassessed immediately.

WA services should confirm the application of these arrangements when the updated WA legislation becomes available.

What Should Family Day Care Schemes Do Now?

BEST recommends that approved providers review their current residence assessment and risk assessment documentation to ensure that approved areas are clearly identified, surrounding hazards are considered and educators understand which areas may be used for education and care.

Schemes should also consider how changes to the home or property are communicated, assessed and documented.

Relevant provisions include regulations 116(2), 116AA, 173A and Schedule 3.

Further Information Available NOW:

Expected from 1 November 2026: The updated WA regulations confirming the requirements for approving areas of Family Day Care residences and assessing surrounding risks, including any WA-specific transitional arrangements.

11. Family Day Care — Expanded Powers of Entry for Authorised Officers

The amendments also expand the powers of authorised officers from the Regulatory Authority to enter and inspect Family Day Care premises.

Previously, regulatory inspections generally focused on areas of the residence approved for education and care, together with areas used to access those spaces.

The new provisions allow authorised officers, in specified circumstances, to seek access to other parts of the residence and surrounding property, even where those areas are not approved for children to use.

The purpose is to ensure that potential risks to children’s safety can be properly investigated and are not overlooked simply because they exist outside the approved education and care areas.

What Does This Mean for Family Day Care Educators?

For example, an authorised officer may attend a Family Day Care residence because of concerns about children’s access to a garage, shed, swimming pool, storage area or another part of the property.

Although these areas may not be approved for education and care, they could still present a risk to children.

The new powers allow authorised officers to seek access to these areas when assessing compliance with prescribed child safety requirements or investigating suspected offences.

Can an Authorised Officer Enter Any Part of the Home Without Permission?

No. The expanded powers do not mean that authorised officers have unrestricted access to every room or area of a Family Day Care educator’s private home.

ACECQA’s guidance explains that the new powers under sections 197A and 199A are subject to conditions, including requirements relating to the purpose of entry, operating hours and obtaining the occupier’s consent.

There is also an important distinction between the two powers.

Section 197A — Monitoring Child Safety Compliance

This provision allows authorised officers to seek entry to additional areas of Family Day Care premises where they reasonably believe it is necessary to assess or monitor compliance with prescribed requirements relating to children’s safety, health and wellbeing.

The officer must meet the applicable conditions for entry, including obtaining the occupier’s consent.

Section 199A — Investigating Suspected Offences

This provision allows authorised officers to seek entry to additional areas where they reasonably suspect that an offence under the National Law has been or is being committed.

Although consent is required, the legislation also provides that an occupier must not unreasonably refuse consent when entry is sought under this investigation power. Penalties may apply for unreasonable refusal.

This is different from the general monitoring power and is an important distinction for Family Day Care educators to understand.

What Should Family Day Care Schemes and Educators Do Now?

Family Day Care schemes should ensure educators understand the difference between the areas approved for education and care and the broader areas of their property that may be relevant to child safety.

Educators should also understand the circumstances in which authorised officers may request access to additional areas, the applicable consent requirements and their responsibilities during a regulatory visit.

BEST recommends that schemes discuss these changes with educators before commencement so they understand both the purpose of the expanded powers and the safeguards that apply.

Relevant provisions include sections 197A, 199 and 199A of the National Law.

Further Information Available NOW:

Expected from 1 November 2026: The updated WA National Law confirming the expanded powers of entry and the conditions that apply to Family Day Care premises.

12. Recruitment Agencies

The amendments introduce a definition of a recruitment agency into section 5 of the National Law, bringing agencies supplying education and care workers more directly into the regulatory framework.

New provisions address information sharing, prohibited individuals making false statements to recruitment agencies, and the ability of authorised officers to require information from agencies.

Relevant provisions include sections 188B, 206A, 272 and 272A.

These changes are particularly relevant to services using agency educators or temporary staff.

Approved providers should continue to ensure that all workers engaged through agencies meet applicable screening, qualification, training and child safety requirements.

Further information available now: ACECQA — Information for Recruitment Agencies about the National Quality Framework. This explains the national information-sharing arrangements and recruitment agency obligations. 

Expected from 1 November: The updated WA provisions concerning recruitment agencies and information sharing.

13. Related Providers and Systemic Risk

The Department discussed reforms intended to improve regulatory intervention where concerns or risks are shared across multiple services or related providers.

New definitions include related provider under section 5B and systemic risk under section 5D, with related provider determinations addressed under section 5C.

The amendments allow regulatory authorities to consider systemic risks when imposing conditions or issuing compliance directions and expand certain powers of entry to related provider offices.

This is particularly relevant to organisations operating multiple services or those with related management or ownership arrangements.

Further information available now: ACECQA — Child Safety Reforms Overview provides background on the related provider and systemic risk reforms.

Expected from 1 November: The updated WA provisions addressing related providers, systemic risk and the Regulatory Authority’s expanded powers. The Department also identified additional Set Three amendments relating to related providers that are expected later in 2026.

14. Reviewable Decisions

The amendments introduce changes to review rights associated with the regulator’s new intervention powers.

The Department referred to section 190, which provides for internal review of certain regulatory decisions, including directions to suspend, supervise or complete training.

This means that affected parties may have access to an internal review process for specified decisions.

The relevant review provisions should be consulted to understand eligibility, procedures and timeframes.

Further information available now: ACECQA — Child Safety Reforms Overview provides general background. A dedicated information sheet on the consequential review changes has not been identified.

Expected from 1 November: The amended WA section 190 and related provisions identifying which new regulatory decisions are internally reviewable.

15. Other Amendments — What Else Is Changing for WA Childcare Services?

The Department briefly discussed several additional legislative changes during the webinar. Although these were not explored in detail, they are relevant to approved providers, particularly those planning renovations, managing supervision risks or responding to regulatory investigations.

Longer Timeframes for Commencing Legal Proceedings — Section 284

The amendments change the limitation period for certain offences under the National Law. A limitation period is the timeframe within which legal proceedings must be commenced.

In practical terms, this gives Regulatory Authorities more time to investigate certain alleged breaches and commence prosecution proceedings where appropriate.

For example, where a serious incident or potential breach is identified, the Regulatory Authority may need time to gather evidence, interview relevant people and determine whether prosecution is warranted. The extended timeframe provides greater opportunity for this process.

This does not mean that services have longer to report incidents or rectify non-compliance. Existing notification and compliance obligations continue to apply.

The exact amended timeframes should be checked against section 284 when the updated WA legislation becomes available.

Removal of Ongoing Service Waivers for Regulation 115 — Premises Designed to Facilitate Supervision

This is a particularly important change for centre-based services.

Regulation 115 requires education and care premises, including toilets and nappy change facilities, to be designed and maintained in a way that facilitates the supervision of children at all times, while respecting children’s rights and dignity.

Previously, an approved provider could apply for an ongoing service waiver where the premises did not meet this requirement.

Under the amendments, approved providers will no longer be able to apply for a new ongoing service waiver for regulation 115.

For example, a childcare centre may have a bathroom, corridor or outdoor area with restricted visibility, making it difficult for educators to supervise children effectively. Rather than relying on a new ongoing waiver, services will need to consider how the environment can be improved to support safe supervision.

Importantly, ACECQA has clarified that:

  • Existing approved ongoing service waivers for regulation 115 are not automatically cancelled by this change.
  • Services may still apply for temporary waivers, for example where building modifications are required.
  • Temporary waiver applications will be considered individually, with children’s safety and wellbeing remaining central to the decision.

What Should Services Do Now?

BEST recommends that approved providers review their physical environments, particularly bathrooms, nappy change areas, corridors, outdoor spaces and locations where educators may have difficulty maintaining visibility.

Services should consider whether blind spots, isolated spaces or building design features create supervision risks and whether changes to the environment or supervision arrangements are necessary.

ACECQA has also released new national guidance specifically addressing regulation 115, which is particularly useful for existing services, renovations and new childcare centre designs.

This resource explains how building design can support effective supervision, including visibility, reducing blind spots and minimising isolated spaces.

Minor and Technical Legislative Amendments

The Department also referred to a number of minor and technical amendments.

These may include changes to legislative wording, definitions, references and other provisions needed to ensure the amended National Law and Regulations operate consistently.

Although these changes may not introduce major new everyday responsibilities for educators, they can affect how legislation is interpreted and applied.

Services should therefore ensure that their policies, procedures and compliance documents refer to the updated WA legislation once it becomes available.

Further Information Available NOW:

Expected from 1 November 2026: The updated WA legislation confirming the changes to section 284, the removal of new ongoing service waivers for regulation 115 and other technical amendments, including any WA-specific modifications.

Other Legislative Changes Mentioned During the Webinar — Important ECT and Staffing Changes for WA Services

In addition to the 15 child safety reform topics, the Department of Communities briefly discussed several upcoming changes to early childhood teacher (ECT) requirements and educator-to-child ratio arrangements.

Although these changes are separate from the new child safety amendments commencing on 1 November 2026, they are particularly important for WA approved providers and nominated supervisors planning their staffing arrangements for 2027.

Regulation 239A — Early Childhood Teachers in Remote and Very Remote Services

What does this regulation currently allow?

Regulation 239A provides additional flexibility for centre-based education and care services located in areas officially classified as remote or very remote.

Under this arrangement, an eligible service can meet the relevant ECT attendance requirement by having access to an early childhood teacher who works with the service for at least 20% of the time, calculated quarterly, rather than meeting the usual attendance arrangements.

This recognises the difficulties that remote and very remote services can experience when recruiting qualified early childhood teachers.

What is changing from 1 January 2027?

Regulation 239A will expire on 31 December 2026. However, the flexibility it provides is not being removed.

Instead, the arrangement will continue under a new regulation 134A, which will apply in Western Australia from 1 January 2027.

This means eligible remote and very remote services can continue using the alternative ECT attendance arrangements, subject to the requirements of the new regulation.

What should services do?

Services currently relying on regulation 239A should confirm that they meet the geographical eligibility requirements and review their ECT attendance arrangements against the new regulation 134A.

This provision does not automatically apply to every WA service experiencing ECT recruitment difficulties. It is specifically intended for eligible remote and very remote services.

Further information available NOW:

ACECQA — Changes to Transitional Workforce Provisions for Early Childhood Teachers

ACECQA has confirmed that regulation 239A will be replaced by regulation 134A from 1 January 2027. 

Regulation 242 — Educators Working Towards an Early Childhood Teaching Degree

What does this regulation currently allow?

Regulation 242 allows certain educators who have not yet completed their early childhood teaching degree to be “taken to be an early childhood teacher” for the purpose of meeting the service’s ECT requirements.

To qualify, the person must be enrolled in an ACECQA-approved early childhood teaching qualification, be making satisfactory progress with their studies and meet the relevant enrolment requirements.

They must also either hold an approved Diploma-level education and care qualification or have completed at least 50% of their approved ECT qualification.

This arrangement has been particularly valuable for services supporting Diploma-qualified educators to progress towards becoming qualified early childhood teachers.

What is changing from 1 January 2027?

Regulation 242 will expire on 31 December 2026 and will no longer apply in WA.

This means that, from 1 January 2027, an educator who has been counted as an ECT solely because they meet regulation 242 will generally no longer be able to fulfil the service’s ECT requirement unless they have completed their approved ECT qualification or another applicable arrangement applies.

For example: A Diploma-qualified educator who is halfway through an approved early childhood teaching degree may currently be counted as an ECT under regulation 242. From 1 January 2027, that educator will no longer automatically qualify to be counted as an ECT simply because they are progressing through their degree.

Importantly, this does not mean the educator can no longer work at the service. Depending on their qualifications, they may still be counted as a Diploma-qualified educator or in another eligible staffing capacity.

What should services do?

Approved providers should urgently review whether they currently rely on educators working towards ECT qualifications to meet their legislated ECT requirements.

Where a service is relying on regulation 242, it should determine whether the educator will complete their qualification before the end of 2026 or whether alternative staffing arrangements will be necessary.

Services unable to meet the ECT requirements should contact ECRU to discuss their circumstances and whether a waiver may be appropriate.

Further information available NOW:

ACECQA — Regulation 239A and 242 ChangesACECQA — Actively Working Towards a Qualification

ACECQA confirms that regulation 242 will expire in WA on 31 December 2026. 

Regulation 123(2A) and (7) — Changes to Educator-to-Child Ratio Arrangements

What do these provisions currently allow?

These provisions relate to how educators are counted when calculating the minimum educator-to-child ratios in centre-based services.

Regulation 123(2A) currently provides WA services with a limited flexibility commonly referred to as the 30-minute allowance.

Ordinarily, educators must be working directly with children to be counted in the required ratios. However, under this provision, an educator may continue to be counted for a period of up to 30 minutes in a day while not working directly with children, provided they remain on the service premises and are immediately available to provide education and care if required.

What does this mean in everyday practice?

For example, an educator may leave their classroom for a short break while remaining on the premises. Provided the legislative conditions are met, they may continue to be included in the service’s educator-to-child ratio for up to 30 minutes in that day.

However, this does not remove the requirement to adequately supervise children at all times. Services must ensure supervision remains effective, regardless of whether the minimum staffing ratio is technically met.

What is changing from 1 July 2027?

The Department advised during the webinar that regulations 123(2A) and (7) are scheduled to expire on 30 June 2027.

If these provisions expire as indicated, services will need to review how educators are counted when they are not working directly with children, including during staff breaks and other duties.

The exact operation of regulation 123(7), and whether replacement arrangements will be introduced, was not explained in sufficient detail during the webinar to provide a definitive interpretation.

What should services do?

BEST recommends that approved providers and nominated supervisors review their current staffing and break arrangements, particularly where they rely on the 30-minute allowance to maintain educator-to-child ratios.

Services should consider how they will maintain compliant staffing arrangements if these transitional provisions expire without replacement.

Importantly, educators should not be counted in ratios simply because they are somewhere on the premises. The specific legislative conditions must be met, and adequate supervision remains essential.

Further information available NOW:

Expected after 1 November 2026: Further WA legislative clarification concerning the expiry of regulations 123(2A) and (7), including whether any replacement arrangements will apply from 1 July 2027. 

Set Three National Regulation Amendments

The Department advised that these amendments have been tabled in WA Parliament and are expected to come into operation later in 2026. The presentation identified matters concerning related providers and NSW/Victorian fees.

Further information will be required once commencement is confirmed.

Further information available now: ACECQA — Early Childhood Teacher Requirements and WA Legislation.

Important Compliance Dates for WA Services

The following dates were identified during the Department’s webinar.

DateRequirement or change
1 November 2026Child Safety Amendments commence in WA
30 November 2026Transitional deadline for the National Early Childhood Worker Register
From 30 November 2026New workers must be recorded on the Register within 14 days of engagement
31 December 2026Regulation 242 expires; changes to regulation 239A arrangements
30 April 2027WA transitional deadline for mandatory child protection and safety training
30 June 2027Regulations 123(2A) and (7) expire

These dates reflect the webinar presentation. Services should confirm their individual obligations against the updated WA legislation, particularly where transitional provisions apply.

What Information Are We Still Waiting For?

Although the webinar provided an overview of the reforms and clarified several important WA compliance dates, a number of practical questions remain.

The Department advised that it has prepared a reference table identifying the relevant legislative provisions for each of the 15 topics, including the modifications that will apply in WA. This is expected to be published on the ECRU website during the week commencing 26 October 2026.

The consolidated WA versions of the National Law and National Regulations are expected to become available from 1 November 2026.

These documents will be particularly important for services seeking clarification about transitional arrangements, training requirements, notification obligations and the practical implementation of the reforms.

Given the scale of the changes, the Department acknowledged that the legislation involves almost 200 pages of amendments. The webinar was therefore intended to introduce the main concepts rather than explain every legislative provision in detail.

What Should WA Services Be Doing Now?

While further information is being prepared, services can begin reviewing their existing systems against the reforms discussed during the webinar.

Particular attention should be given to ensuring worker information is registered and maintained, staff are progressing through the required child safety training, WWCC arrangements are appropriately managed, and policies relating to electronic devices, inappropriate conduct and child protection reflect the incoming requirements.

Approved providers should also ensure that nominated supervisors and other relevant staff understand the strengthened regulatory powers and increased penalties.

Importantly, services should avoid making assumptions about WA compliance deadlines based solely on national communications. The WA modifications and transitional provisions are essential.

This is also an opportunity to reflect on whether existing policies and procedures are genuinely embedded in everyday practice. Child safety must be demonstrated through supervision, professional interactions, staffing decisions, risk management, governance and the way concerns are identified and addressed.

Further Information and Resources

The following official websites should be monitored for updated legislation and supporting guidance.

Western Australian Resources

National Resources

For questions about the legislative amendments, the Department provided the following email address:

eclir@communities.wa.gov.au

Final Thoughts from BEST Childcare Consulting

Today’s webinar was useful in confirming the commencement date, explaining how the reforms have been grouped and clarifying several important WA-specific compliance deadlines.

However, we appreciate that many approved providers, nominated supervisors and educators are looking for more detailed guidance about what these changes will mean in everyday practice.

With commencement less than two weeks away, services are understandably keen to access the updated legislation, reference tables and practical information necessary to ensure they are meeting their obligations.

The good news is that ACECQA has already developed a substantial collection of resources to help services understand the national reforms. We encourage services to begin working through these resources now, particularly the information sheets on paramount consideration, inappropriate conduct, electronic devices and child safety responsibilities.

The important message for WA services is to use the national resources to prepare, but rely on the WA legislation and ECRU guidance to confirm your legal obligations and compliance dates.

BEST Childcare Consulting will continue to follow the release of the WA-specific information and share further updates as they become available.

How BEST Can Help Your Service Prepare

At BEST Childcare Consulting, we understand that keeping up with legislative change can be challenging, particularly when approved providers and nominated supervisors are already managing the everyday demands of operating a service.

We can support services through compliance reviews, child safety policy and procedure reviews, mock regulatory visits and tailored professional development.

Our practical mentoring and educator coaching focus on bringing policies out of the cupboard and into everyday practice. This includes helping educators understand not only what the legislation requires, but how those requirements should be demonstrated through supervision, professional interactions, risk management and the way classrooms operate.

Whether your service needs support preparing for the incoming amendments or strengthening its existing child safety practices, we can work alongside your team to identify priorities and develop practical strategies for improvement.

Contact BEST Childcare Consulting TODAY to discuss how we can support your service.

www.braig.com.au

Publication note: This article is based on the Department of Communities webinar held on 21 October 2026 and ACECQA resources available at the time of preparation. The Department’s promised WA reference table and consolidated legislation were not available for verification when this article was prepared. 

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