Child Australia warmly welcomes the Albanese Government’s announcement on key reforms for the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector, including the removal of the activity test and the investment in childcare infrastructure for underserved communities. These changes represent significant progress in creating a system where all children have access to quality early learning opportunities, regardless of their family circumstances or location.
The removal of the activity test is a huge step in the right direction. It ensures that every child can access up to three days of subsidised childcare per week, recognising that early learning benefits children and communities as a whole, not just families where parents meet certain employment criteria.
We also applaud the focus on addressing childcare deserts by funding infrastructure in regional and remote areas. This commitment is crucial for providing equitable access to early learning, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who need culturally safe and community-driven services.
As we celebrate the rollout of wage increases for educators across Child Australia and the sector broadly, we want to highlight the important role that Not-for-Profit (NFP) providers have played in maintaining affordable fees and supporting fair wages for their staff, even in the face of funding challenges. Many NFPs, including Child Australia, have consistently prioritised keeping costs low for families while offering well above-award educator wages.
It’s essential that this recognition translates into ongoing support for NFPs. At Child Australia, we remain hopeful for a future where this recognition fosters sustained support for NFPs. We remain optimistic that adjustments to these reforms will recognise and amplify the unique contributions of organisations like ours. Aligning funding structures with the diverse service models across the sector is crucial for building a more equitable and sustainable ECEC system—one that delivers lasting benefits for children, families, educators, and communities.
We look forward to collaborating with policymakers to ensure that these reforms deliver meaningful and enduring impact for all Australians – children, families, educators, and providers alike. Together, we can build a system that’s inclusive, accessible, and sustainable for all.
