Charges relating to safety are laid

THE company that runs a local child care facility is facing a raft of charges in relation to the centre’s safety measures.

Oakhaul Pty Ltd, which is listed as the provider of Little Champions Child Care in Oakey, stands charged with a total 31 matters, including:

• three counts of failing to protect children from harm and/or hazard likely to cause injury,

• five counts of ensuring premises, furniture and equipment to be safe, clean and in good repair,

• 11 counts of failure to take reasonable steps to ensure documents are accurate,

• two of failing to comply with a compliance notice within the period specified in a notice,

• two of failing to comply with the conditions of a service approval held by the approved provider, ensuring outdoor space is enclosed by a fence or barrier that children preschool age or under cannot go through, over or under, as well as other matters.

Oakhaul Pty Ltd was represented in court by Groom and Lavers lawyer Andrew Taylor.

Mr Taylor said this was the first mention of the matter in court and said he would be seeking a brief of evidence.

No particulars of the allegations were aired in court and Oakhaul Pty Ltd has not been required to enter any pleas to the charges.

Lawyer Peter Stokes, of McCullough Robertson Lawyers, on behalf of the complainant, the Department of Education, appeared by phone.

Mr Stokes told the court that it was expected the brief of evidence would be ready for disclosure in two to three weeks.

Magistrate Claire Kelly therefore adjourned the matters for mention back in the same court on January 27.