Labor changes tack on timing of “activity test removal” and “3 day guarantee” election pledges

The Labor Government has changed tack on the timing of the implementation of its two key early childhood education and care (ECEC) pre-election pledges with Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly confirming yesterday that her party will introduce legislation for the changes as soon as this week. 

This stands in contrast to the timeline presented by the Prime Minister in a media statement dated 11 December 2025 where he stated that “A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will take the next steps in building a universal early education and care system by expanding access to quality early education across the country.”

The release then detailed the two main policy reforms that would be needed to support the vision namely; a $1 billion Building Early Education Fund that would deliver grants to providers to build in outer suburbs and regional Australia and a 3 Day Guarantee guaranteeing at least three days of care and the removal of the activity test. 

It now appears that the Government is seeking to expedite the implementation of at least the 3 Day Guarantee reform, and by extension the removal of the activity test, to before the election with the Bill expected to be presented as soon as Parliament commence sitting this week. 

Although, it is unclear what has driven this change of heart, it is far from guaranteed that it will lead to a successful passageway through Parliament prior to the election. 

Mr Albanese has been on the record noting that the Coalition has been standing against their plans to build more centres as part of the Building Early Education Fund and Jason Clare also noted today that his expectation was that the Coalition would oppose the 3 Day Guarantee Bill as well. 

That being said, it is understood that the Government will nevertheless seek to pass the Legislation in the last sitting fortnight of Parliament, with a view to implementing the changes in early 2026.