Fifteen years on: Goodstart reflects on sector change following ABC Learning collapse

Fifteen years after the collapse of ABC Learning, the early childhood education and care sector continues to reflect on one of its most significant turning points. At the centre of that story is Goodstart Early Learning, the not-for-profit organisation formed in its wake, which now supports more than 60,000 children across Australia.

When ABC Learning collapsed in 2008, it was the largest for-profit early learning provider in the country. The administration affected thousands of families and left over 17,000 educators and staff facing uncertainty.

In response, four community organisations — The Benevolent Society, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Mission Australia and Social Ventures Australia — came together with support from the Federal Government, National Australia Bank and social investors. Their aim was to acquire parts of the ABC Learning network and re-establish them under a new model centred on social purpose.

That initiative became Goodstart Early Learning.

From instability to structure

According to the organisation, the early transition was not without difficulty. Nearly half the acquired centres were not meeting the new National Quality Standard. Goodstart prioritised quality improvement, workforce support and operational sustainability.

Over time, the organisation reports that 99 per cent of its centres now meet or exceed the National Quality Standard. It also says the number of degree-qualified early childhood teachers in its network has increased from 200 to more than 2,600 since 2010.

Goodstart leaders note that one of their key objectives has been to ensure children facing disadvantage are able to access early learning at the same rates as their peers.

Sector engagement and advocacy

Alongside service delivery, Goodstart has contributed to national policy discussions and government reviews over the past decade, including inquiries focused on access, inclusion and affordability.

Its advocacy efforts have drawn on both its national scale and local relationships, particularly in supporting vulnerable children and communities.

Current priorities and future direction

Today, Goodstart operates 653 centres and partners with Big Fat Smile, bringing its broader network to nearly 700 services. The organisation reports it reinvested more than $57 million into professional learning, practice development and inclusion initiatives in 2024.

Its current strategic plan, running from 2025 to 2029, outlines a continued focus on high-quality, inclusive early learning, support for educators and system-level policy reform.

Goodstart CEO Dr Ros Baxter said the organisation remains committed to its original vision.

“We’ve come a long way. But we’re just getting started. Because the work of giving every child the best possible start in life never ends,” she said.