Following the tragic unsupervised death of 22-month-old Ebony in a Northern Territory childcare playground, authorities are imposing a strict crackdown, charging staff and urging centers to swiftly meet safety standards or face funding cuts. (168 characters)
A heartbreaking case involves the passing of a cherished 22-month-old girl, left without supervision in a playground for about 10 minutes, as determined by an inquest.
Her parents endure profound sorrow, shaping a fresh regulatory push in the Northern Territory.
Early Education Minister Jo Hersey demands that childcare providers "fix their act fast" if failing National Quality Standards.
This marks the first charges against NT childcare staff, stressing child safety as paramount, with an upcoming overhaul of the regulatory body and potential funding reductions for non-compliant centers.
“Childcare centres need to be held accountable, and I will not hesitate to take action.”