❓ A Western Australian parliamentary question on notice addresses the licensing and regulation of childcare centres, including the Department for Community Development's authority, standards determination, resource allocation, appeal processes, and complaint handling.
AnsweredQoN 1189Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
CHILDCARE CENTRES - LICENSING
I refer to the licensing of childcare centres. (1) What authority does the Department for Community Development have for the licensing of childcare providers? (2) Who determines the standards that childcare providers are required to meet in order to gain a licence? (3) What resources does the government allocate to ensure compliance with standards? (4) What avenues does an individual or other body have to appeal the granting of licences? (5) How are complaints against childcare centres dealt with by the department? Hon KATE DOUST
I refer to the licensing of childcare centres. (1) What authority does the Department for Community Development have for the licensing of childcare providers? (2) Who determines the standards that childcare providers are required to meet in order to gain a licence? (3) What resources does the government allocate to ensure compliance with standards? (4) What avenues does an individual or other body have to appeal the granting of licences? (5) How are complaints against childcare centres dealt with by the department? Hon KATE DOUST
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The response to the question is quite detailed so I seek leave to have it tabled and incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
(1) What authority does the Department for Community Development have for the licensing of childcare providers? (2) Who determines the standards that childcare providers are required to meet in order to gain a licence? (3) What resources does the government allocate to ensure compliance with standards? (4) What avenues does an individual or other body have to appeal the granting of licences? (5) How are complaints against childcare centres dealt with by the department? Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The response to the question is quite detailed so I seek leave to have it tabled and incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
(2) Who determines the standards that childcare providers are required to meet in order to gain a licence? (3) What resources does the government allocate to ensure compliance with standards? (4) What avenues does an individual or other body have to appeal the granting of licences? (5) How are complaints against childcare centres dealt with by the department? Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The response to the question is quite detailed so I seek leave to have it tabled and incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
(3) What resources does the government allocate to ensure compliance with standards? (4) What avenues does an individual or other body have to appeal the granting of licences? (5) How are complaints against childcare centres dealt with by the department? Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The response to the question is quite detailed so I seek leave to have it tabled and incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
(4) What avenues does an individual or other body have to appeal the granting of licences? (5) How are complaints against childcare centres dealt with by the department? Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The response to the question is quite detailed so I seek leave to have it tabled and incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
(5) How are complaints against childcare centres dealt with by the department? Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The response to the question is quite detailed so I seek leave to have it tabled and incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The response to the question is quite detailed so I seek leave to have it tabled and incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The response to the question is quite detailed so I seek leave to have it tabled and incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
[See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
(1) What authority does the Department for Community Development have for the licensing of childcare providers? (2) Who determines the standards that childcare providers are required to meet in order to gain a licence? (3) What resources does the government allocate to ensure compliance with standards? (4) What avenues does an individual or other body have to appeal the granting of licences? (5) How are complaints against childcare centres dealt with by the department? Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The response to the question is quite detailed so I seek leave to have it tabled and incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
(2) Who determines the standards that childcare providers are required to meet in order to gain a licence? (3) What resources does the government allocate to ensure compliance with standards? (4) What avenues does an individual or other body have to appeal the granting of licences? (5) How are complaints against childcare centres dealt with by the department? Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The response to the question is quite detailed so I seek leave to have it tabled and incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
(3) What resources does the government allocate to ensure compliance with standards? (4) What avenues does an individual or other body have to appeal the granting of licences? (5) How are complaints against childcare centres dealt with by the department? Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The response to the question is quite detailed so I seek leave to have it tabled and incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
(4) What avenues does an individual or other body have to appeal the granting of licences? (5) How are complaints against childcare centres dealt with by the department? Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The response to the question is quite detailed so I seek leave to have it tabled and incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
(5) How are complaints against childcare centres dealt with by the department? Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The response to the question is quite detailed so I seek leave to have it tabled and incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The response to the question is quite detailed so I seek leave to have it tabled and incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The response to the question is quite detailed so I seek leave to have it tabled and incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
Leave granted. [See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
[See paper 2340.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Community Development has provided the following response: 1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
1. Authority is granted to the Chief Executive Officer of the Department for Community Development to license child care providers under Part 8 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act). 2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
2. The Act and subsidiary child care regulations set minimum standards for the operation of different types of child care services. States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
States and Territories have used the National Standards to inform child care regulations. The National Standards for Centre Based Long Day Care were endorsed by the Council of Social Welfare Ministers in 1993 and the National Standards for Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care were endorsed by Ministers in 1995. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is not empowered to grant or renew a licence until certain requirements that are prescribed by the Act and the regulations are met. 3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
3. The Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit at the Department for Community Development is delegated responsibility under the Act for monitoring compliance with the Act and the regulations. That Unit currently employs 20 full time equivalent positions directly involved in monitoring and investigating compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. 4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
4. The regulations require that an applicant must, within 28 days of making a licence application, place an advertisement in the public notice section of The West Australian newspaper. The advertisement must amongst other things invite objections to be lodged in writing with the Department within 14 days of the advertisement being placed. The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
The Chief Executive Officer may not approve a licence application until proof has been received that the requirement has been complied with. In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
In circumstances where the Chief Executive Officer decides to refuse a licence application the Act enables the applicants to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal to have the Chief Executive Officer’s decision reviewed. 5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
5. Complaints received by the Department against a child care centre are assessed and where appropriate investigated by the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit. Complaints that involve allegations of child maltreatment at a licensed child care service are also referred to the Department’s District Office and where appropriate the Police. Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
Some complaints received are non-regulatory in nature and in those instances advice about how to best address the issue is provided to the complainant. In some instances this may involve referring the complainant to the Commonwealth agencies responsible for monitoring quality standards at child care services.
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