Parents dropping their children at childcare this week have been told they should "expect ... safety" and not be "overly concerned," despite a string of alleged incidents across the region.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
NSW's top law enforcement official, Mal Lanyon, has strongly backed the integrity of the sector, stressing that while recent cases are "abhorrent," they are "rare" and do not represent a broader crisis.
"There certainly has been a lot of coverage, and I know the government has taken steps in relation to that," he said.
"Police have a real concerted focus on child protection and we are focused on making sure children are safe."
The Commissioner acknowledged public concern but stressed that the vast majority of childcare professionals are dedicated, responsible, and committed to the wellbeing of children.
"Parents should expect when they put their children in childcare that their children are safe," he said.
"There are a range of measures that police work with the government on to try and reduce the likelihood of someone working at a child centre who shouldn't be there."
The recent cases - two childcare workers have been charged following alleged offences in Bathurst in the last two months - though concerning, do not represent a broader crisis, he said.
"When we see reporting of it, people tend to think it happens everywhere. There are cases from time to time - they're completely abhorrent - they're not something we will ever tolerate.
"We take really quick action and I think that sends a message to deter anyone who may wish to come into that industry without doing the right thing."
The vast majority of people in that industry actually love kids, look after them, and do the right thing.
- NSW Police commissioner Mal Lanyon.
He also urged the public to report any concerning behaviour.
"If someone's concerned about behaviour, report it to us so that we can look at it. I think that's the important thing," he said.
Despite recent incidents, Commissioner Lanyon emphasised the importance and integrity of the childcare sector in NSW.
"If you look around the state, there's a huge number of childcare centres. The vast majority of people in that industry actually love kids, look after them, and do the right thing," he said.
"We don't want people to be overly concerned or discouraged from placing their children in care or from choosing childcare as a career."
Childcare, he noted, is essential for both working families and early childhood development.
"You couldn't estimate how many kids go into childcare every day. It's an essential part so that parents can work, and an essential part for some kids to socialise and get ready for school," he said.
"It's a normal part of growing up."
While the Commissioner reaffirmed that any instance of abuse or misconduct in childcare is taken seriously, he concluded that the system remains fundamentally safe and supported by strong standards and oversight.
