Sector leaders to gather at National Early Years Policy Summit in Brisbane

Leaders from across Australia’s early childhood ecosystem will meet in Brisbane this June for the National Early Years Policy Summit, a new two-day event focused on shaping the future of services and support for children and families.

Scheduled for 17 to 18 June at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), the Summit will coincide with the Out of the Box children’s festival and is convened by philanthropic partners of the Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children in partnership with QPAC.

For early childhood education and care (ECEC) stakeholders, the event is expected to influence system-wide priorities and provide insights into how future reforms may unfold.

Policy, partnership and reform on the agenda

Organisers say the Summit will bring together sector leaders, researchers, practitioners, parents, artists and policy-makers to reflect on recent reforms and set direction for the next phase of national early years policy.

“We have seen significant developments in the early years sector in recent years. This Summit will allow us to pause, take stock and look to the future,” said Matthew Cox, Executive Director of The Bryan Foundation.

Speakers will include national and international experts in child development, early learning, and social policy, with sessions focused on universal access, system design, First Nations inclusion, and the role of culture and community.

Bridging policy and practice through collaboration

Sessions will address key themes including:

• Building a world-leading early childhood development system
• Supporting parents and thriving communities
• Embedding cultural safety and inclusion
• Workforce sustainability and system reform
• The intersection of arts, learning and wellbeing

Rachel Healy, QPAC Chief Executive, said the Summit’s integration with the Out of the Box festival offered a unique context for discussion, with thousands of children and families engaging in creative activities across the precinct.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with these respected organisations to deliver the Summit as part of this year’s event, as we explore the theme of hope,” she said.

Participation and registration

Early bird registration is open until 19 May 2025. Participation is open to ECEC professionals, policy stakeholders and community organisations.

For more information or to register, visit qpac.com.au/OOTB