In a significant move to bolster child safety within the dance sector, Ausdance has submitted a comprehensive response to the National Office for Child Safety's Child Safety Annual Reporting Framework consultation paper. This landmark submission underscores the urgency and widespread demand for enhanced regulation to protect young dancers.
The national Ausdance network, long a champion of "Safe Dance" since 1990, has made it clear that improving safety in dance environments, particularly for children, is a top priority. The submission to the National Office for Child Safety reflects the culmination of over four years of extensive consultation with Ausdance members nationwide.
The Ausdance network has expressed a strong and urgent need to comprehensively address the issue of child safety. The overwhelming response from the dance sector, following substantial consultation, indicates a clear desire for stronger regulations to improve the safety of children within dance organizations.
The National Office for Child Safety's proposed framework aims to support organizations in implementing robust child safety policies and processes, fostering a culture that prioritizes the best interests of all children. Ausdance's submission directly addresses this initiative, offering valuable insights and recommendations tailored to the unique needs of the dance community.
Ausdance's commitment to child safety is deeply rooted, with ongoing consultations and initiatives dedicated to this critical area. To ensure a thorough and representative response to the consultation paper, Ausdance circulated a national survey among its members in December, which garnered substantial participation from across the sector.
The submission emphasizes the importance of:
- Comprehensive Policy Implementation: Encouraging dance organizations to adopt and enforce clear, effective child safety policies.
- Capability Building: Providing resources and training to support organizations in understanding and implementing best practice child safety measures.
- Cultural Change: Fostering a culture of vigilance and accountability within the dance sector, where child safety is paramount.
- Continuous Improvement: Maintaining ongoing dialogue and consultation to ensure child safety practices remain relevant and effective.