‘Horrified’: childcare giant’s abuse scandal response
Australia's largest for-profit childcare operator began overhauling hiring even before a former worker was charged with sexual abuse, an inquiry has been told.
education
Child safety system no place for kids: abuse survivor
A female survivor removed from an abusive home has told a child safety inquiry that she only experienced further abuse while in state care.
Australia ‘failing’ on childcare quality issues
Industry, parents and policy experts will front a Senate inquiry probing Australia's scandal-plagued early childhood education sector.
Students, staff live in fear as racism rampant at unis
Universities are being criticised for failing to tackle rampant racism, with a landmark report revealing how pervasive discrimination is on campus.
Unease over bid to police hate speech outside classroom
A move that will make it easier to fire teachers who use hate speech in and out of the classroom, including on social media, has drawn strong reactions.
High school costs forcing indebted parents to work more
The significant cost of educating children in Australia is forcing parents to work more hours and families to cut back on holidays.
Teacher’s alleged plot to ‘pimp’ out drugged children
A teacher has been refused bail for allegedly planning to drug and sexually assault a boy and girl in "revolting" messages found on his phone.
Hearing checks urged before children return to school
Hearing problems can affect a child's ability to listen, learn and build important skills at school, and Indigenous children are at higher risk of ear issues.
Cheaper child care to ease pressures on working parents
More than 120,000 Australian children will have access to early childhood education under a change guaranteeing subsidised care three days a week.
Pioneering university leader and researcher remembered
The first woman to lead one of Australia's top universities has died aged 52 following a battle with cancer.
How Indigenous culture is enriching preschoolers’ days
Parents and children are learning together at one preschool, which has embedded Indigenous language and culture into each day's events.
Jumping castle inquest ‘open to different findings’
A coroners court has provided a significant update on preparations for an inquest into the deaths of six primary school children in a jumping castle accident.
New federal body, ministry proposed to protect kids
An inquiry has heard that greater federal oversight is necessary to stop child predators from exploiting gaps in Australia's childcare sector.
‘Climate obstruction’ alarms raised with museum sponsor
Ties between a state museum and a major gas company are being questioned by a climate communications group as scrutiny of fossil fuel sponsorship grows.
Uni debts slashed for more than one million Australians
University debt levels are set to be cut by more than $5000 on average for people with student loans as a one-off reduction comes into effect.
School teachers strike again as wage talks break down
A second teachers strike in months is set to be held after pay talks with a state government broke down following lengthy negotiations.
Students left to sweat as teachers strike during exams
Teachers have walked off the job over a long-running pay dispute, disrupting crucial exams at more than 100 schools for year 10 and 11 students.
Indigenous students construct new paths in engineering
Indigenous students with a passion for STEM are being introduced to the world of engineering, with hands-on workshops, site visits and cultural activities.
Asbestos scare puts Australian schools on high alert
Safety warnings have prompted the temporary closure of dozens of schools over fears coloured craft sand could be contaminated with asbestos.
The rural mum helping flip the school postcode lottery
Families in remote Australia have little choice but to send their kids to boarding school, a sometimes daunting path one advocate wants rural towns to embrace.
Almost 70 schools to close as asbestos concerns spread
An asbestos scare linked to coloured sand products has prompted dozens of school closures as decontamination work continues.
One million pushed to brink amid child poverty crisis
Advocates are renewing calls for Australia to adopt a nationally-agreed definition of child poverty, as concerning data shows almost one million are struggling.
‘Unfair’: $50k arts degrees lumping students with debt
Australian students being forced to pay $50,000 for arts degrees are being left in a financial hole after they graduate, a vice-chancellor warns
Students thrown to lions by studying wrong emperor
Students at eight schools learnt they had studied the wrong Roman emperor in the days before their final ancient history exam.
Abuse claims surge against childcare, pre-school staff
Allegations of abuse and misconduct involving childcare workers and early educators are on the rise, a watchdog warns.
Teachers reject hefty pay rise and reduced workloads
Educators have rejected a pay deal that would see every classroom teacher in one state earning more than $100,000 in three years.
Teachers offered hefty pay rise and reduced workloads
Educators have been offered a pay deal that would see every classroom teacher in one state earning more than $100,000 in three years.
Opportunities abound for junior Indigenous rangers
Students are connecting to and nurturing Country as eleven new junior ranger programs are established across Australia.
Why tech could change Gen Alpha careers for the better
They are young, curious and ready to create careers that do not exist yet: a MythBusters TV star says the next generation of children could improve our lives.
Sense of belonging falls among young Aussies
Despite younger generations feeling less connected, research shows Australians are maintaining strong social cohesion despite financial and global pressures.
Push for more girls in sought-after selective schools
Attempts to boost the number of girls in state selective schools will be introduced as parents flock for spots once more.