ECEC leaders welcome Labor’s re-election and early years reform agenda

Peak bodies and sector advocates have welcomed the re-election of the Albanese Government, describing it as a critical opportunity to embed key reforms and move closer to a universal early childhood education and care (ECEC) system.

With a second term now secured and a strong mandate from voters, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to advance the government’s early years platform, including further delivery on affordability, workforce reform and access equity.

Sector leaders signal optimism and urge continued progress

Early Childhood Australia (ECA) congratulated the Prime Minister and acknowledged his commitment to early education as a defining national priority. CEO Samantha Page welcomed the result as a “mandate to continue reform” and said the government’s early actions, including the Three Day Guarantee and removal of the Activity Test, represented real progress.

“We’re laying the foundation for a truly universal early childhood education system through improving affordability, boosting supply, increasing accessibility and securing the vital workforce families rely on,” Ms Page said.

ECA also reaffirmed its support for the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund and called for continued investment in infrastructure and workforce pathways to ensure access for all children.

CELA calls for equity and delivery in the next phase

Community Early Learning Australia (CELA) said the result offered “policy continuity and opportunity” for the sector, but emphasised that reform must now reach every child and educator.

“The task ahead is to ensure every child, everywhere, has access to affordable, high-quality education and care,” CELA said in a statement.

The organisation welcomed the government’s record of consultation and signalled that implementation must now prioritise inclusion, rural and regional access, and fair wages. It also urged swift action on the recommendations from the Productivity Commission and ACCC reviews.

Educators’ union welcomes strong mandate for reform

The Australian Education Union (AEU) said Labor’s re-election provided a solid foundation to build on reforms achieved since 2022.

AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe welcomed the removal of the Activity Test, the introduction of the Three Day Guarantee and increased investment in the ECEC workforce.

“The re-election of the Albanese Government gives us the opportunity to build on important reforms,” she said. “This is a vital moment to deliver on long-held sector aspirations for universal access and workforce justice.”

The union also reaffirmed its support for ongoing wage reform, noting the significance of the Fair Work Commission’s preliminary pay equity decision and the need for adequate government funding to deliver long-term improvements.

Focus now turns to delivery and system strengthening

As the second term begins, sector leaders say the focus must shift from reform design to delivery – ensuring implementation is equitable, transparent and supported by strong partnerships across government, providers and educators.

Attention now turns to how the government will respond to the final reports from the Productivity Commission and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, both of which outline pathways to universal access, stronger fee transparency and better service distribution.

With political will, sector alignment and community support, stakeholders say the next four years present a rare opportunity to consolidate early learning reform and ensure every child benefits from high-quality, accessible education and care.

For more on Labor’s early years agenda and what the second term could mean for the ECEC sector, see our election wrap and policy explainer.