Victoria’s Minister for Children, Lizzie Blandthorn, declared that the state’s childcare regulator is closely monitoring Affinity Education following disturbing allegations. This provider, operating under various brands such as Papilio, Milestones, and Kids Academy, has come under fire after reports emerged from a 7.30 investigation conducted in New South Wales.
The investigation uncovered shocking accusations against Affinity educators, including claims of hindering an inquiry into a staff member who allegedly physically harmed a baby. The seriousness of these allegations prompted Victoria’s regulatory authority to take action and initiate investigations into the incidents reported.
During a recent Victorian parliamentary hearing, Minister Lizzie Blandthorn expressed her concerns about the need for potential reforms in the national regulatory system governing early childhood education. She emphasized the importance of addressing any loopholes that may exist within the current framework to ensure the safety and well-being of children across childcare facilities.
In response to inquiries about the ongoing investigations, Minister Blandthorn refrained from providing specific details but reassured that authorities are actively overseeing Affinity Education services. She underscored their commitment to thoroughly investigate any reported incidents and enforce appropriate measures as needed.
“Victoria’s regulatory authority and other regulatory authorities are actively monitoring…Affinity education services and investigating incidents in services and will take action where required,”
stated Minister Blandthorn during the parliamentary hearing.
Affinity Education is a prominent for-profit childcare chain with an extensive network of 250 centers nationwide, including 52 in Victoria alone. The gravity of the situation was further exacerbated by additional allegations disclosed in regulatory documents tabled at NSW parliament. These included instances of serving expired food, hygiene violations, inappropriate staff behavior such as using a child to clean up vomit, and mishandling children by dragging them around by their arms.
The documents also revealed a staggering number of over 1,700 regulatory breaches recorded against Affinity between 2021 and 2024—a troubling average exceeding one violation per day. Despite these alarming findings surfacing predominantly in NSW reports thus far,
Affinity CEO Tim Hickey issued an apology to parents affected by these distressing events while affirming the company’s zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harm inflicted on children. He vowed swift actions against employees found guilty of misconduct and pledged collaboration with external agencies if necessary—including law enforcement—to ensure accountability within their organization.
Echoing concerns about childcare providers’ financial stability was Greens MP Aiv Puglielli questioning Minister Blandthorn regarding another troubled childcare group called Genius during the parliamentary session. With seven centers in Victoria facing uncertainty due to administration issues stemming from financial strains,
Minister Blandthorn highlighted complexities surrounding insolvency matters falling under Commonwealth jurisdiction rather than state regulation responsibilities like compliance with payment obligations or contractual agreements affecting employees’ wages.
Despite limitations imposed on state regulators concerning financial oversight,
Tony Bates—the acting secretary of the Education Department—acknowledged challenges posed by intricate corporate structures spanning multiple states but assured collaborative efforts among regulators nationwide aimed at achieving cohesive oversight mechanisms for better governance practices within this sector.
As scrutiny intensifies on childcare providers grappling with operational deficiencies impinging upon child safety protocols,
the collective call for comprehensive reforms resonates across governmental levels seeking tighter regulations ensuring utmost protection for vulnerable young ones entrusted in daycare facilities’ care.
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