A Department of Communities investigation found that in February 2023, a three-year-old child
left the Camp Australia - Makybe Rise Primary School OSHC and was found on a road nearby
by a member of the public. The temperature on that day was 36 degrees.
Camp Australia Pty Limited contravened section 165(1) of the Education and Care Service
National Law (WA) Act 2012 (the National Law), for offences relating to the inadequate
supervision of a child and was ordered to pay $18,500.00 by the Tribunal.
The Tribunal found that on this occasion the provider also contravened section 167(1) of the
National Law for failing to take reasonable precautions to protect a child in the care of the service
from harm and from any hazard likely to cause injury, ordering the provider to pay $15,000.00.
A Department of Communities investigation also found that in December 2022, two children aged
five years old in the care of the Camp Australia - Grandis Primary School OSHC left the service
unsupervised and were located 600 metres from the premises. Camp Australia Pty Limited was
ordered to pay $16,000.00 by the Tribunal for the inadequate supervision of a child.
A Department of Communities investigation found that in January 2023, a four-year-old child who
was in the care of the Camp Australia - Coolbinia Primary School OSHC was also able to leave
the premises unsupervised. Camp Australia Pty Limited was ordered to pay $14,000.00 by the
Tribunal for this offence.
The Tribunal also ordered Camp Australia Pty Limited to pay $4,000 towards the Departments
costs. More information on the SAT orders is available on the eCourts website.
Quotes from Phil Payne, Executive Director, Regulation and Quality, Department of
Communities:
“Adequate supervision within the education and care services sector is a required standard.
“Inadequate supervision can place children into situations where they are seriously or fatally
injured. It is the Approved Provider’s role to ensure that the risk of harm and hazard to children
is minimised and reflected in robust supervision policies and procedures.
“Service Providers should continue to review their business practices and capacity to provide
active supervision of children in their care.
“A Service Provider which fails to do so will be investigated by the Department of Communities
and may face disciplinary proceedings.”
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