Victoria’s former deputy police commissioner, Wendy Steendam, has been appointed to lead the state’s new childcare watchdog as the government moves to restore confidence in the sector following a series of abuse allegations and regulatory failures.
Steendam will head the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) from July 1, bringing more than four decades of policing experience to the newly established body.
Speaking to the ABC, Steendam said her focus would be improving accountability and safety standards across the childcare system.
“My whole intent is to make the system better,” she said.
The appointment comes amid mounting scrutiny of Australia’s childcare sector, particularly in Victoria, after allegations last year of child sexual abuse involving Melbourne childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown triggered a broad review of the industry.
Subsequent investigations by the ABC revealed significant failures by regulators, including claims that some workers accused of misconduct were allowed to retain their working-with-children clearances.
The Victorian government established VECRA as part of efforts to strengthen oversight of early childhood services and rebuild public trust in the sector.
The announcement also follows growing national concerns about childcare standards. Last week, a parliamentary inquiry in New South Wales heard evidence linking property developers and investors to quality and safety failures at some childcare centres.
The ABC’s ongoing investigation into the sector has continued to uncover systemic issues relating to regulation, staffing and child safety, prompting calls for stronger enforcement powers and tougher compliance measures.
Steendam’s appointment is expected to mark a significant shift toward stricter oversight as Victoria seeks to address long-standing concerns about the protection and wellbeing of children in care.
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