Georgie Dent: Why early learning reform must be bold, inclusive and urgent

In an exclusive interview with The Sector, The Parenthood CEO Georgie Dent outlines what’s needed to restore trust and create a high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) system that delivers for children, families and educators.

As a leading advocate for families and children, Ms Dent says Australia’s ECEC system is at a pivotal moment.

In a wide-ranging conversation with The Sector Ms Dent shared her views on the most pressing reforms, systemic blind spots, funding models, workforce recognition and the power of advocacy.

Fiona – You’ve been a prominent advocate for children and families through your work with The Parenthood. What changes are most urgently needed in the early childhood education and care system right now?

Georgie – Australia’s early childhood education and care system is at a critical point. The trust of parents has been very seriously tested due to the devastating allegations and reports of abuse, neglect and mistreatment in early learning services. Taking all steps to ensure children are safe in ECEC is critical.

Aside from substantial concerns about safety, families are struggling with affordability, access, inclusion and quality. We need early childhood education and care that works for children, families and the workforce alike. This means truly affordable, high-quality, inclusive services, a professionally paid, supported and respected workforce, and recognition that early learning is the foundation for lifelong development.

The Albanese government has shown historic commitment to this vision. They are investing in wages for early educators, which is a crucial step towards universal access. Without educators being properly paid and respected, we simply will not have the workforce needed to deliver quality ECEC. The government is also expanding services in 160 locations, investing in affordability and has stepped up with state and territory governments to improve quality and safety. This is a positive start, but multiple things need to happen at once. Expanding access is essential, but lifting quality and addressing inclusion must happen at the same time. Every child, in every community, deserves high-quality early education and care that meets their developmental needs.

Fiona – The sector is undergoing scrutiny from child safety reforms to workforce shortages. What systemic blind spots must policymakers address?

Georgie – Expanding access alone is not enough. New services must genuinely meet the developmental needs of children rather than just increasing the number of places or services. Workforce sustainability is another critical blind spot. The reliance on casual employment, staffing below ratios and under-qualified staff not being adequately supported contributes to high turnover which threatens continuity of care and ultimately children’s outcomes. Professional pay is part of the picture in creating a sustainable workforce but it also must include rostering, professional development and support, and time off the floor.  

Another issue is how the Child Care Subsidy has driven growth in for-profit provision. In some cases, it has enabled business models that prioritise profit over quality. Providers have been able to keep costs low with fewer or less-qualified staff, which can work against safe, high-quality early learning. Policymakers must understand how funding models shape provider behaviour and create incentives that reward quality, not just expansion or profit. Equity and inclusion are also major concerns. Rural, remote and low-income communities are often left behind, as are children with complex needs. Reform must deliberately address these gaps. Too many children are turned away from services and that is completely unacceptable. Without inclusion being properly funded that will continue.  

Fiona – Funding reform remains central. What role does a fixed-price or universal subsidy model play?

Georgie – The current Child Care Subsidy has created inequities and contributed to rising fees without improving quality. It has also influenced where providers choose to operate, favouring locations where they can charge more rather than where children need services most. The service delivery price project is essential to understand what it actually costs to deliver quality inclusive early learning. Only with this information can we design fair funding models that allow all children to access high-quality care regardless of postcode or income.

A fixed-price model would provide families with certainty while stabilising provider revenue, making it viable to invest in educators and infrastructure rather than cutting costs. The building fund is another opportunity to grow high-quality not-for-profit and community-run services, which are essential for building a diverse and responsive sector.

Fiona – The ECEC workforce needs greater recognition, better pay, and more secure conditions. How can governments achieve this?

Georgie – Educators are the heart of early learning, yet too often they are undervalued. Meaningful recognition starts with pay and conditions that reflect the skill, responsibility and work involved in caring for and educating young children. Governments need to treat the workforce like any other professional with appropriate conditions, career pathways, public respect and secure employment. The Albanese government’s investments in wages are an important foundation, but they are just the beginning. High-quality early learning is impossible without a workforce that feels seen, supported and respected.

Fiona – What is the role of family and community advocacy like The Parenthood in keeping reform grounded in real experiences?

Georgie – Families and communities have knowledge that no policy paper can capture. Advocacy organisations like The Parenthood amplify those lived experiences, highlighting what works, what is broken and what families need most. We exist to give voice to parents and we believe this is critical to ensure public policy settings genuinely support children, parents and families. 

Reform of ECEC will only be meaningful if it translates into better outcomes for children and families every day. Without the voice of those who use  services, policies risk being aspirational rather than practical.

Fiona – How important is it that families and educators are treated as policy partners rather than passive recipients?

Georgie – It is essential. True reform only works when families and educators have a seat at the table. Their input ensures that policies are practical, culturally responsive and genuinely child-centred. Without their voice, reforms risk being aspirational rather than achievable. Children, parents and families and taxpayers – all lose out when policy is disconnected from lived experience. Consultation must be ongoing and meaningful.

Fiona – What gives you hope about the future of early learning in Australia?

Georgie – I am hopeful because the conversation has changed so dramatically in recent years. ECEC is being conceived as critical infrastructure like roads, schools and hospitals – rather than a niche indulgence or welfare. We also have a Prime Minister who has stated he wants universal access to ECEC to be his ultimate legacy. 

The Albanese government has stepped up on affordability, access, quality, and safety. Families, educators, and policymakers are finally talking about these issues as interconnected, not separate. With continued investment in educators, meaningful funding reform, expansion of high-quality services, and genuine partnership with families and communities, Australia can build a world-class early learning system. This is a future where more children, in more places, can access the high-quality early learning they deserve, and where educators are properly supported to do the work that matters most.

As Australia stands on the cusp of long-overdue reform in early childhood education and care, voices like Geordie Dent’s and the advocacy work of The Parenthood are vital in keeping policy grounded in real experiences. 

With bold leadership, inclusive funding reform and a commitment to elevating the workforce, the sector has the opportunity to deliver lasting change that meets the needs of all children and families.