Our response to the National Office for Child Safety’s reporting framework proposal
In late February 2025, the Ausdance network made a submission to the National Office for Child Safety in response to its Child Safety Annual Reporting Framework consultation paper.
Ausdance members have expressed an undeniable urgency in addressing child safety. After more than four years of extensive consultation, the dance sector has overwhelmingly called for better regulation to ensure stronger safeguards for children in dance organisations.
The proposed framework aims to help organisations build the skills needed to create and follow child safety policies, fostering a culture that prioritises the wellbeing of all children.
While the Ausdance network supports the development of a voluntary reporting framework, we do not fully endorse the current proposal as it focuses heavily on compliance rather than a commitment to continuous improvement.
Our detailed response to their proposal outlines what’s needed to make real change – not just tick boxes.
Key recommendations
- The framework should focus on improvement, not just compliance.
- The dance sector needs sector-specific resources, training, and support.
- A staged approach is necessary, ensuring organisations can meet Child Safe Standards before being asked to report on them.
- First Nations and Culturally Diverse communities must be prioritised in the development of child safety measures.
- Compliance processes should be practical, flexible, and accessible for all dance organisations, regardless of size or location.
Read more
“Ausdance pushes for stronger child safety regulations in landmark submission”, 25 February 2025, Dance Australia