Is CCTV compulsory in Victorian childcare?

No general CCTV installation mandate applies to all services. The national assessment is not a national rollout.

What should a Victorian CCTV policy cover?

From 1 September 2025 regulation 168 requires a policy for services using CCTV, including information to families, secure storage and authorised access.

Can Victorian services record audio?

Do not record audio. Check the Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (Vic) and obtain local advice before operating cameras.

What is Victoria's ratio for children aged over two and under three?

One educator for every four children in that age range. See the Victoria ratios guide for full rules.

Childcare CCTV in Victoria: Supervision, Privacy & Provider Guide

This is a Victoria-specific overview for approved providers. Confirm your service's obligations with the Victorian regulator and legal adviser before installing or changing CCTV.

Victoria's Rapid Child Safety Review

The 2025 review recommended a national CCTV trial to understand the potential benefits and risks. Education Ministers subsequently commissioned an assessment of CCTV in up to 300 services. That assessment is not a requirement for every service to install CCTV.

Victorian regulator and the National Model Code

Victoria's regulator issued its Statement of Regulatory Expectations - National Model Code in August 2025. Victorian services must comply with current personal-device restrictions and apply the Model Code as directed. Approved-provider-installed and authorised CCTV is treated separately from restricted personal devices.

Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (Vic)

Victorian surveillance law restricts recording of private activities; workplace toilets, washrooms and change rooms must not be monitored. Do not record audio. Obtain legal advice on placement, signage and notices for your particular site.

Supervision and Victorian ratios

For children over 24 months and under 36 months, Victoria requires one educator for every four children. A ratio is a staffing minimum, not a substitute for active supervision, sight lines, counts and handovers. Check the full age-group rules before rostering.

Written CCTV policy

Since 1 September 2025, a service using CCTV needs written policy and procedures under regulation 168. Address family information, storage and security, authorised access, retention and timely access for authorised officers and police.

Existing cameras and implementation

Review placement, recorder access and private spaces. Existing reachable IP cameras may be reusable after a remote camera review. After the review, each centre receives a preconfigured device. Connect it to the network and it's running.

Where technology helps

SooperVision can add AI-assisted alerts for defined supervision risks to compatible existing CCTV. CCTV supervision does not recognise or identify anyone; separate adult-only face verification requires consent. Educators remain responsible for supervision.

Sources

General information only, not legal advice. Check current requirements with your state or territory regulatory authority.