The Albanese government is considering setting up a national Early Education and Care Commission in an effort to crack down on childcare safety.

As part of a package of reforms, $226m will be invested to strengthen safety in childcare centres across the country.

The investments include the establishment of a National Early Childhood Worker Register, a trial of CCTV cameras in centres and more compliance officers completing unannounced spot checks and banning personal devices in centres.

There will also be mandatory child safety training for educators.

The Productivity Commission recommended a commission as part of its 2024 inquiry report.

Early Childhood Education Minister Jess Walsh said a commission could “help ensure early learning services are located where families need them most while supporting strong standards across the sector”.

“We want Australian children to have access to the quality early learning they deserve,” Senator Walsh said.

“We’ve already taken decisive action to strengthen this important sector, and this is the next possible step in that process.

“It’s important we get this right – and that’s why we’ll be consulting with the sector and other stakeholders on the best way forward.”

The moves comes after the federal government delivered a 15 per cent pay rise for early educators, funded by a $3.6bn grant.

It also introduced changes to the child subsidy program, known as the 3 Day Guarantee, allowing 100 hours of subsidised childcare per fortnight for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Education Minister Jason Clare said the changes were benefiting families.

“Child care is an essential service for more than one million Australian families,” he said.

“We’ve cut the cost. We’re also driving big reforms to improve access and safety.

“This is the next potential step to drive long-term reform.”