In January, Dance Arts Alliance called for action to protect children in the dance and performing arts industry. Following prior allegations of grooming and abuse by a dance teacher in Sydney, we urgently advocate for stricter regulation, including a unified national framework for Working with Children Checks (WWCC).
Children’s safety must never be compromised. Yet, the unregulated nature of our industry allows loopholes that leave young dancers vulnerable. DAA is committed to working with governments, industry leaders, and the community to demand mandatory safety standards, stronger enforcement of child protection measures, and rigorous reporting systems across Australia.
As Vice Chair Mike Harrison-Lamond states:
“Enough is enough. This is a failure of the system at the expense of children’s safety. Abuse, grooming, and unsafe practices have no place in the dance industry. Governments must act now to ensure no child falls through the cracks.”
We applaud those who are already leading the way in championing child safety, particularly our valued members, and encourage all stakeholders to unite with us in creating a safer future for young dancers.
Read our full media release here
