The Children’s Services Act is changing
The Victorian government is considering reform of the Children’s Services Act 1996 to align it with the Education and Care Services National Law.
The reform aims to simplify licensing arrangements for providers, and ensure consistency across the two regulatory regimes.
Any law changes will need to be considered and passed by the Victorian parliament.
Who will be affected
You will be affected by the reform if you are:
- a current proprietor, licensee, licensee representative, or responsible person of a children’s service
- a primary nominee, nominee or accepted nominee under the Children's Services Act 1996
- an approved provider who operates an
approved associated children’s service (a children’s service operated as part of an education and care service under the
National Quality Framework).
Any law changes will need to be considered and passed by the Victorian Parliament.
What is changing
The proposed law changes will align:
- the objectives and guiding principles of the law
- terminology
- licensing and service approval processes
- operational requirements that are in the law
- compliance, monitoring and enforcement approaches
- offences and penalties
- the regulator’s powers and duties.
Existing approvals and roles will change to approvals and roles equivalent to those under the National Quality Framework.
Approved associated children’s services (services operated as part of an education and care service under the National Quality Framework) will be phased out by 2022.
We will provide information and resources to help providers and services transition to the new arrangements when the changes are implemented.
Read more about the reform.
What is not changing
- No change to the
types of services regulated under the
Children’s Services Act 1996 (pdf - 437.12kb). - No assessment and rating of licensed children’s services against the National Quality Standard.
- No changes to the Children’s Services Regulations 2009 at this stage, but these regulations will need to be updated.
Have your say
Tell us what you think about the reform:
- Read more details about the reform below
- Make a written submission by email to
cs.law.reform@edumail.vic.gov.au.
Check back here for more information, and refer to Early Childhood Update for updates.
Review of the Children’s Services Regulations 2009
The Children’s Services Regulations 2009 will need to be updated to reflect the changes to the Children’s Services Act 1996.
The regulatory requirements in the Children’s Services Regulations 2009 will also be reviewed later in 2019, including:
- licence types
- staffing and premises requirements.
Separate consultation will occur on any changes proposed to the Children’s Services Regulations 2009.
Consultation sessions
Consultation sessions are now complete.
Contact us
For queries or further information about the reform, email us at
cs.law.reform@edumail.vic.gov.au.
How children's services are currently regulated
Read more about the current Children’s Services Act 1996, the Children’s Services Regulations 2009, and how children’s services are currently regulated at Children's services regulated under State Law.