On Thursday 1 January 2026, the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) started operations. It is being led by Interim Regulator Adam Fennessy PSM.
VECRA is a new independent early childhood regulator. It was created in response to the Victorian Government’s Rapid Child Safety Review.
It will work with the early childhood sector to improve quality and strengthen child-safety practices.
What to expect
The regulatory authority has transitioned from the Department of Education to become an independent statutory authority.
VECRA will:
- continue regulatory activity transferred from previous arrangements, with no disruption to operations
- use existing and new powers under National Law and Victorian legislation to monitor compliance and respond to risk
- take swift action where a child’s safety or wellbeing is at risk.
As VECRA continues to grow throughout 2026, it will continue to build its capability as a regulator. It will do this in line with the Rapid Child Safety Review recommendations by:
- increasing the number of authorised officers. This will strengthen on-the-ground regulatory sector oversight
- making more unannounced compliance visits
- embedding new regulatory powers as legislative changes come into effect
- strengthening how information is shared, analysed and used. This will help identify risks earlier
- publishing more compliance and enforcement action online.
Changes to the National Law
The establishment of VECRA coincides with new powers for Regulatory Authorities and new obligations for providers to ensure early childhood services are child safe. Changes now in effect include:
- significant increases in penalties, with tripled penalty amounts, and 9 times increases in the case of large providers (those with 25 or more services)
- an expanded number of offences that can be enforced through penalty infringement notices
- a new offence for failing to notify VECRA of any reportable sexual conduct committed by relevant staff members
- a ban on providers taking insurance against financial penalties.
VECRA will be providing more information about changes to the National Law. Keep an eye on VECRA’s website for more information.
How to report concerns
VECRA encourages families, educators and community members to raise concerns about the safety, wellbeing or quality of early childhood services. They should do this directly with VECRA.
To report a concern:
- complete the online complaint form – you can remain anonymous
- contact your local VECRA office
- call VECRA on 1300 307 415, Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm.
To access an interpreter, refer to the National Translating and Interpreting Service.
Find out more
For more information about VECRA, refer to the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority webpage.
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