Australia's child care sector is set to come under further scrutiny in the coming weeks as a New South Wales inquiry puts the sector under the microscope when hearings begin next week.

The federal government has been quick to respond to the growing number of allegations facing centres, passing new laws to strip providers of subsidies if they fail to meet safety standards.

But with much of the burden falling on state-based regulators, questions remain about whether they're up for the job.

• Guest: Abigail Boyd, Greens MP in New South Wales parliament 
• Producer: Eddy Diamond