menu_open Columnists
Erin Harper

Erin Harper

The Conversation

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Fixating on a ‘magic number’ of childcare hours misses what’s most important for kids’ development

A major Australian study found kids who spend 40 hours or more in childcare may struggle more with social skills and emotions than those who attend...

10.04.2026 8

The Conversation

Erin Harper

Serious incidents in childcare centres are still rising. Why?

The most commonly reported incident type was ‘injury, illness, or trauma’, which accounted for almost 80% of reports.

11.02.2026 60

The Conversation

Erin Harper

NSW daycares face whopping $500k fines. Will this ensure safety?

The NSW government has proposed huge fines for providers who breach safety rules. Will they work? That depends on why there was a breach in the first...

10.09.2025 20

The Conversation

Erin Harper

Childcare centres will have funding stripped if they’re not ‘up to scratch’. Is this enough?

New legislation gives the federal education department powers to suspend or cancel funding if a centre is not meeting quality and safety requirements.

23.07.2025 20

The Conversation

Erin Harper

How many incidents in childcare? We don’t know

07.07.2025 20

The New Daily

Erin Harper

How many serious incidents are happening in Australian childcare centres? We don’t really know

States and territories collect different kinds of information about child safety. So it is hard to know what is going on in childcare centres.

03.07.2025 20

The Conversation

Erin Harper

There’s a new ban on vaping in childcare centres, but what else do we need to keep kids safe?

Education Minister Jason Clare has announced new rules to improve childcare safety. Next week, state and federal ministers will consider what else...

17.06.2025 10

The Conversation

Erin Harper