Interim Childcare Regulator's Interstate Commute Draws Scrutiny

Adam Fennessy was appointed as the interim regulator of the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) on January 1, 2026. The position is based in Melbourne, but Fennessy resides in Brisbane and commutes between the two cities, traveling to Brisbane most weekends.

Fennessy's travel has been visible through his public Strava social media account, which he later set to private after media inquiries. The Victorian Department of Education stated Fennessy relocated to Melbourne for the role and that neither the department nor VECRA has paid for his personal travel expenses. A permanent regulator is expected to be appointed by the Governor-in-Council.

Background on the New Regulator

VECRA is a new regulatory body created after failures in Victoria's childcare sector were exposed, including charges against former childcare worker Joshua Brown. Fennessy previously served as the secretary of the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), a role which required him to be based in Canberra.

Ensuring child safety and restoring community confidence is not a "fly-in, fly-out" job.

– Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, who added that Victorians expect the role to be located in Victoria full-time.

Concerns and Reactions

Two senior sources who have worked with Fennessy expressed concern about his appointment, noting he has no experience in early childhood or social policy and splits his time between states. They stated the role requires both sector experience and a presence in Victoria.

However, a source in Victoria's childhood sector said Fennessy has been a visible presence in Melbourne meetings and has been open that his return to Melbourne is temporary. The source added Fennessy will not apply for the permanent position as he cannot relocate permanently.

A source close to the recruitment process said interstate applicants have been discouraged from applying for the permanent regulator position.

A state government source said it is generally considered appropriate to make exceptions for people with high expertise, but this was a difficult test to apply to Fennessy.

Context and Precedent

The government faced similar criticism last year when it was revealed the boss of Victoria's Suburban Rail Loop project commuted from Queensland and billed taxpayers for some travel costs. He left the job a month later.

At a Senate estimates hearing in October 2025, acting DAFF officials stated Fennessy's previous federal role required him to be based in Canberra, with reunion travel to Brisbane permitted under Remuneration Tribunal conditions.