Complete guide: Childcare CCTV rollout in Australia

What is the Australian childcare CCTV rollout?

At a meeting in Sydney on 22^nd August 2025, Australian federal, state and territory education leaders signed off on plans to begin a trial of CCTV systems for childcare centres.

From October or November 2025, as many as 300 childcare centres across the country will install purpose-built daycare CCTV systems. The trial is part of a larger $189 million government-funded initiative to enhance safety, security and reporting in the childcare sector.

Funds will be released over four years to help small and medium-sized operators purchase and install CCTV cameras for childcare centres. Officials particularly encourage not-for-profit operators to take part, as well as those already planning to install childcare CCTV systems.

Why is the CCTV rollout taking place?

The Australian childcare CCTV trial is taking place as part of a federal reform to enhance safety in the childcare sector, partially in response to high-profile allegations of misconduct.

During the trial’s announcement in August 2025, education minister Jason Clare stressed the importance of CCTV as a safeguarding measure, referring to daycare security cameras as ​“an essential component in what we need to do if we want to keep our children safe”.

The trial aims to help parents and guardians feel more confident in childcare providers’ abilities to prevent inappropriate behaviour, as well as help police investigate incidents of misconduct.

Clare went on to say that police suggest childcare CCTV cameras ​“can be an important aspect in deterring bad behaviour” as well as a tool to ​“help police with their investigations”.

Will daycare CCTV cameras be mandatory?

The initial childcare CCTV trial, which begins in October or November 2025, will be mandatory for a small number of daycare centres, while others are encouraged to participate voluntarily.

As part of the same overarching government initiative to improve safety and security in the childcare sector, laws have been passed to withhold funding from childcare centres that fail to meet safety standards; these powers have been exercised against 37 centres at present.

The trial’s results will be discussed by federal, state and territory education leaders at a later date and used to inform decisions regarding potential future daycare CCTV laws.

Some mandatory measures and initiatives have been announced as part of the wider reform to safety requirements in the childcare sector. As of September 2025, childcare centre staff are not permitted to use personal mobile phones while working with children. Also, a national register of childcare workers will be created and made available to regulators by early 2026.

What are the current daycare camera laws in Australia?

All childcare CCTV cameras and video management systems installed as part of the trial must comply with existing daycare camera laws in Australia. Childcare providers must ensure CCTV systems meet both federal and state/territory-specific legal requirements.

Federal daycare camera laws

The Privacy Act 1988 and its 13 legally-binding Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) are the key federal laws that describe how CCTV for childcare can be safely operated in Australia.

The Privacy Act 1988 and APPs apply to all organisations that handle personal information, with all video recordings of a person considered personal information under Australian law.

As children cannot legally provide informed consent to be filmed, the nature and logistics of childcare centre CCTV systems must be formally disclosed to parents and legal guardians.

As a general rule, childcare security cameras cannot be used in areas where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as toilets, changing rooms and baby care rooms.

To abide by federal law, operators of childcare CCTV cameras must:

• Clearly notify staff, parents and legal guardians about CCTV usage.
• Inform staff, parents and legal guardians where cameras are installed.
• Explain why CCTV footage is being captured.
• Ensure CCTV footage is stored in a secure environment.
• Ensure access to CCTV footage is limited and monitored.
• Ensure CCTV footage is deleted within 14 to 30 days.

Best practices to meet federal requirements include disclosing CCTV use through enrolment documents, securing written parental consent and installing signs in areas covered by CCTV.

State and territory laws 

In addition to federal law, Australian childcare providers have to comply with local legal requirements. 

Laws surrounding the safe use of childcare CCTV can vary across states and territories, with some defining unique rules about where devices can be installed and how they can be used.

Important, region-specific laws concerning CCTV for childcare centres include:

Children’s privacy considerations

To help ensure childcare CCTV cameras are used safely and effectively, officials stress the importance of balancing the increased physical security provided by cameras with children’s privacy.

When questioned about privacy, the education minister said, ​“Privacy is important. We need to make sure that if we’re going to roll out CCTV, where is the data stored to make sure it’s protected?; that it doesn’t become a honey pot for bad people to hack into that information”.

With this in mind, a major focus of the childcare CCTV trial is to help operators identify and codify standards for where cameras should be installed and how they should be managed.

Primary points of consideration when the trial begins will include where daycare cameras should be positioned within centres, who should have access to captured data, how access will be managed and what measures should be taken to protect footage from cyber-attacks.

During the childcare CCTV trial, participating operators are expected to establish standards and policies in accordance with existing federal and regional legislation, while working with authorities and security experts to develop new best practices for data handling, storage and protection.

The Australian Centre for Child Protection and the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority will oversee the trial to guide from a child protection standpoint.

Examples of existing security and privacy standards that may be considered include:

• Password protections: All devices that contain personal information must be password-protected and recorded in a digital asset register.
• Access control: Access to areas and devices containing personal information must be restricted and secured behind traceable credentials.
• Camera positioning: Childcare CCTV cameras may not be positioned to cover private areas such as bathrooms, sleeping rooms or changing rooms.
• Camera signage: Clear signage must be displayed in all areas covered by cameras declaring their use and means of operation.
• Consent agreements: Parents and legal guardians must be informed of childcare CCTV usage and their consent must be secured.

Implementing childcare CCTV systems: best practices

Owners and operators of Australian childcare centres planning to participate in the upcoming daycare CCTV trial must ensure security systems are designed and managed appropriately.

A well-implemented and responsibly secured childcare CCTV system can be a useful tool in safeguarding children from inappropriate behaviour and helping staff provide high-level care.

Below are key best practices for safely designing and operating childcare CCTV systems.

Equipment 

When choosing and configuring childcare CCTV systems, make sure camera equipment can provide:

• High-resolution footage in all light conditions.
• Clear coverage over target areas.
• Anti-vandal features, such as tamper-proof casings.
• Ingress and impact-resistant casings for outdoor usage.
• Options for automatic footage deletion.
• Encryption capabilities for robust data security.
• Password protection for restricted access.

Placement and installation 

To capture effective, compliant childcare CCTV footage, operators must:

• Only install cameras in communal spaces such as entryways, playrooms and classrooms.
• Ensure cameras are not installed in private areas such as toilets and changing rooms.
• Add signage that clearly indicates where cameras are in operation.
• Install devices out of reach of children and pedestrians.
• Angle camera lenses down towards target areas.
• Look for and remove any blind spots in communal areas that cameras can’t see.
• Ensure good lighting in areas where cameras are in operation.
• Secure camera mounting brackets in place.

Data protection and cybersecurity 

To ensure CCTV footage is handled securely and legally, childcare centre operators must:

• Restrict access to CCTV system hardware and software to authorised persons.
• Maintain access records detailing when systems were accessed and by whom.
• Ensure storage and management systems are secured using digital access controls.
• Ensure all CCTV footage and related data are encrypted at rest and in transit.
• Develop policies for reporting and responding to suspected cybersecurity breaches.
• Provide regular data privacy and cybersecurity training to all new and existing staff.
• Implement a ban on the use of personal devices on-site.
• Ensure hardware and software are regularly assessed and updated by certified security professionals.

Policies and consent agreements

To comply with federal and region-specific CCTV laws, childcare centre operators must:

• Secure written consent from parents and legal guardians regarding CCTV usage.
• Issue a written notice of childcare CCTV usage to educators and employees.
• Write a CCTV policy that outlines how cameras and data will be used and stored.
• Include CCTV policies in enrollment documents and parent handbooks.
• Ensure footage is routinely deleted every 14 to 30 days.
• Limit access to cameras, storage and management systems to authorised persons.
• Prevent footage from being shared online, downloaded and moved off-site.
• Regularly review policies and inform legal guardians of planned adjustments.

Maintenance 

To keep childcare security cameras in good working condition, operators must regularly:

• Inspect camera hardware for signs of tampering and damage.
• Clean camera lenses and mounting brackets.
• Remove obstructions in the physical environment.
• Check that the power and data cables are secure and free from damage.
• Check that power supplies are functioning effectively.
• Update IP cameras with the latest available software.
• Create, maintain and regularly review camera maintenance records.

Assessments and reviews

Regular assessments can help inform system improvements. Consider the following:

• Does the childcare CCTV system comply with all current laws and regulations?
• Do daycare security cameras consistently capture clear, high-quality footage?
• Are any non-private areas not currently covered by childcare security cameras?
• Is the CCTV system integrated with other security devices, such as alarms and access control?
• Do staff receive regular training on how to use and best navigate the system?
• Do staff and parents have a way to provide feedback on childcare CCTV usage?
• Are hardware and software systems regularly reviewed by security professionals?
• Have planned upgrades and adjustments been communicated to staff and parents?

CCTV camera providers for childcare centres

For childcare centres seeking CCTV cameras for their operations, there are several viable providers of the technology. While most reputable providers can boast advanced camera capabilities and high-resolution video footage, not all can be relied upon to deliver robust data security, interoperability and comprehensive technical support.

Below are some key providers of CCTV for childcare.

Avigilon

With the Australian government’s recent moves to prioritise data protection, many organisations and businesses are turning to video security providers that they can trust. Avigilon, a reliable and trusted provider of comprehensive security solutions, not only provides cutting-edge CCTV cameras for childcare centres, but its technologies are designed to help centres meet stringent data privacy and security standards. 

With Avigilon, you benefit from: 

• Cybersecure platform: The solutions are built on a trusted, cybersecure platform that complies with global security standards, including the NDAA, SOC 2 Type II, SAFETY Act, ISO 27001, 27017, 27018 and the Essential Eight.
• Secure design: Avigilon’s technologies feature multi-factor authentication and complex password requirements to keep childcare centre data secure. The cameras also include automatic, over-the-air updates.
• AI video analytics: This technology delivers real-time insights by detecting, classifying and alerting operators to potential threats at the childcare centre, as well as AI smart search to quickly find high-resolution video footage.
• Comprehensive technical support: Childcare centres can benefit from local installation services in Australia and ongoing technical support from a network of trusted partners.

Verkada

Verkada is a relatively new company providing all-in-one cloud-based security solutions. Its simple design and management make it a suitable option for several types of businesses and organisations; however, certain issues have arisen in recent years.

Pros:

• Cloud-native platform enables remote access
• Simple setup and configuration
• Highly scalable solutions

Cons:

• Has a licensing model that requires annual payments
• Its closed ecosystem means there is no integration with third-party products
• Has faced high-profile data breaches in recent years

Axis Communications

Axis Communications, a Swedish manufacturer of security products, offers robust childcare CCTV cameras. With a large portfolio of advanced cameras, many organisations seek Axis as a reliable provider of video security products.

Pros:

• Good product quality
• Open-platform design enables interoperability
• Extensive range of products

Cons:

• Some products can be considered expensive
• Extensive setup and configuration required

Hikvision

Hikvision is well known as a good CCTV provider for those looking to maximize cost savings. Although they are a cost-effective and accessible CCTV system option, the Chinese manufacturer, Hikvision, has encountered serious challenges, leading many organisations to seek alternative non-Chinese camera options. 

Pros:

• Cost-effective video security
• Advanced security camera features
• Flexible and modular design

Cons:

• International bans citing data security risks
• Cybersecurity vulnerabilities
• Inconsistent technical support
• Low-cost products negatively impact reliability