Policy momentum for early learning: Why think tanks are turning the tide on quality and safety

As national debate around early childhood education intensifies, influential voices outside the traditional education sector are joining the call for reform. One example is the Centre for Policy Development (CPD), which recently made submissions to federal inquiries focused on early childhood education quality and safety. Their engagement represents a shift in how early learning is framed: no longer solely an education or workforce issue, but a critical lever for wellbeing, equity, and long-term social and economic outcomes.

The CPD’s submission to national inquiries comes at a time when the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector is navigating complex challenges, including workforce shortages, uneven access, educator wellbeing concerns and increasing scrutiny around service quality. By lending its voice to the conversation, CPD is helping to embed early learning policy within broader national priorities like child development, economic resilience and social cohesion.

The federal inquiry into early childhood education quality and safety seeks to understand systemic pressures and identify opportunities to improve standards. CPD’s involvement in this process underscores the growing recognition that childcare quality is a public policy imperative, not just a regulatory matter.

High-quality early learning environments, as defined by the National Quality Framework (NQF), are linked to improved cognitive, emotional and social outcomes for children. They also support families’ workforce participation and contribute to long-term productivity and wellbeing. CPD’s support of these frameworks reinforces the importance of sustaining a regulated, educator-led system that prioritises children’s developmental rights and safety.

A key theme in CPD’s broader work, including their recent feature on Doughnut Economics in The Conversation is reframing economic progress to prioritise wellbeing and sustainability. This shift in thinking is highly relevant to early learning policy.

ECEC services are not simply economic enablers; they are foundational to social wellbeing. A child-centric policy lens means investing in children’s learning and care as a right and a public good, not just as a support for workforce participation. This is particularly critical for children experiencing vulnerability, who benefit most from consistent access to quality early learning.

As the sector awaits the outcomes of the federal inquiry, providers can remain engaged with the policy conversation. This includes:

• Strengthening evidence of program impact, particularly in areas of equity and inclusion.
• Partnering with advocacy groups and think tanks to amplify the sector’s message.
• Monitoring how policy proposals align with the National Quality Standard and the broader Early Years Learning Framework.

Think tanks like CPD are well positioned to influence long-term policy trajectories. Their support helps ensure early learning remains on the national agenda, particularly within economic, social and wellbeing policy portfolios.

For approved providers, centre managers and ECEC leaders, this is an opportunity to:

• Share insights and submissions in collaboration with advocacy groups.
• Articulate the broader value of regulated early learning programs.
• Engage with media, government and academic audiences to reinforce the role of early childhood education in building a fair, inclusive and sustainable Australia.

Early childhood education and care must be positioned not only as a sectoral concern, but as a whole-of-society priority. The involvement of policy institutions like the Centre for Policy Development signals growing momentum for reform that is grounded in quality, safety, and equity.

As the sector continues to advocate for sustainable funding, workforce investment and universal access to quality programs, alignment with organisations like CPD can strengthen our collective voice and influence. For families, educators and providers alike, that means a future where every child’s right to thrive is at the heart of national progress.