All children should have access to quality education no matter their age or socio-economic background. Early childhood education is a vital part of a child’s early years, creating a foundation for learning, exploration and play that will follow a child as they continue their education journey.

Investing in the early years has a dual benefit for both children and parents—supporting a child’s development and helping parents and carers get back to working, training or studying. This has a positive flow on effect into the community and helps strengthen the Australian economy.

The Albanese Government will reduce the cost of child care and make it easier for children and working families to get ahead. To make our reforms possible we’ll be undertaking further work to develop, recognise and support a high-quality early childhood workforce.

Demand for this workforce will only continue to grow and this is why we’re increasing support through fee free TAFE, extra university places, closing the gender pay gap and improving workforce planning through Jobs and Skills Australia.

Workforce issues in the early childhood education and care sector cannot be solved by the Australian Government alone. That is why all governments and sector stakeholders have co-designed the 10-year National Children’s Education and Care Workforce Strategy released in October 2021.

We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders in the sector and listen to all perspectives including workers, unions, peak bodies, providers and industry organisations as we deliver a stronger and more accessible early childhood education sector for Australia.

A copy of the Strategy document may be found here.