NSW to conduct ‘first ever’ ECEC review in 2023

The New South Wales Government has commissioned the Independent Pricing and Review Tribunal (IPART) to conduct the first-ever review into the NSW early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector in 2023.

 

Designed to provide a better understanding of affordability, accessibility and consumer choice across the state, the review forms part of the first phase of the NSW Government’s $15.9 billion Early Years Commitment.

 

“We know that this investment will change the lives of children across the state but moving forward we need better data to ensure our funding allocation will have the biggest impact for families,” NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said.

 

“IPART will collect the essential information we need to help drive down the cost of ECEC, while ensuring high quality and delivering more services for NSW families right across the state.”

 

As well as mapping out costs and barriers to access, the Review will make recommendations on ways to improve affordability, accessibility and consumer choice.

 

“Together with the ACCC national review, the IPART Review will enable us to be fully informed as we roll out our landmark Early Years Commitment,” Ms Mitchell added.

 

IPART will look at how supply and demand affect affordability, accessibility and consumer choice across the whole ECEC sector in NSW, while the ACCC inquiry will review the drivers of childcare cost and prices in Commonwealth Child Care Subsidised services across Australia.

 

The Review will start in early 2023, with an interim report expected in August 2023, and a final report by December 2023.

 

ECEC professionals, along with families and the broader community can share feedback on the draft terms of reference on the IPART website until 10 January 2023. IPART will also consult with families and the sector during the review in 2023.