Government announces new Workforce Reference Group to address ECEC staffing challenges

Education Minister Jess Walsh has announced the establishment of a Workforce Reference Group, a new body designed to tackle one of the most pressing issues in early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce shortages and retention.

The Reference Group will bring together representatives from across the sector, including government, employer bodies, unions, and training providers, to advise on strategies to support and strengthen the ECEC workforce.

ECEC services across Australia continue to report difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified educators, with workforce shortages flagged as a key barrier to meeting family demand and improving quality. The new Workforce Reference Group is expected to play a critical role in:

• Advising on strategies to attract and retain educators, particularly in regional and remote areas.
• Identifying opportunities to expand training pathways and professional development.
• Ensuring workforce policies respond to sector realities such as staff turnover, workload pressures, and regulatory requirements.
• Supporting government reforms aimed at improving quality, affordability, and accessibility for families.

Announcing the initiative, the Minister said:

“Today I can announce that a new Workforce Reference Group will be established. Its job will be to collaborate and engage with stakeholders on the development of policies that affect this vital workforce. And importantly, for the first time this Workforce Reference Group will include educators themselves because their experiences are so important if we want to get this right.”

The move follows ongoing sector calls for greater investment in workforce strategies, with peak bodies welcoming stronger collaboration between government and the profession.

The Government says the Workforce Reference Group is part of its broader commitment to supporting the ECEC workforce, ensuring educators are valued, supported, and equipped to deliver high-quality learning for every child.