LDC openings rise 3.5 per cent in June quarter, ACECQA snapshot shows

The number of new long day care (LDC) services opening across Australia in the June 2025 quarter rose 3.5 per cent in the same period last year, according to the latest ACECQA NQF snapshot.

The rise represents a moderation from last quarter’s cycle high of 3.9 per cent, with national growth easing back into the 2.5 to 3.5 per cent range that has held since late 2020.

A total of 163 new LDC services have opened in 2025 to date, compared with 149 at the same point in 2024 and 174 in 2023. However, because ACECQA’s snapshot does not report on licensed places, it remains unclear how new openings are affecting the number of available places overall.

Among the smaller states, Western Australia recorded 7.2 per cent growth, down from 8.4 per cent in March 2025. South Australia moderated to 4.7 per cent but remains above historical averages.

Across the smaller states Western Australia came in at 7.2 per cent growth, slightly lower than the very 8.4 per cent rates recorded in March 2025. South Australia saw a slight moderation to 4.7 per cent but still sits at the higher end of historical averages. 

The ACT recorded a 2.7 per cent fall in LDC approvals, a rare occurrence, seen only once in the past nine years. This shift has reduced the ratio of LDC services to preschools in the territory, diverging from the national trend of stronger growth in long day care.

Looking ahead, overall growth in 2025 is expected to remain steady. Developers and operators are instead positioning for 2026, when the three-day guarantee commences and lower interest rates are likely to support renewed greenfield investment in the early learning sector.

The latest ACECQA NQF Snapshots can be accessed click here.