Early childhood policy partnership progresses reforms for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

Meeting in Meanjin/Brisbane focuses on Closing the Gap, First Nations education policy and shared decision-making in national ECEC reform.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and government representatives have met to progress reforms affecting children and families, with community leadership and shared decision-making central to discussions.

The Early Childhood Care and Development Policy Partnership met on 8 and 9 September 2026 in Meanjin/Brisbane. An update published by the Department of Education on 8 October outlines discussions on Closing the Gap Target 12, the First Nations Education Policy and the design of a potential Early Education and Care Commission.

Members also considered how to improve progress reporting and implement recommendations from the partnership’s independent evaluation.

The partnership discussed preparations for a November report-back to Joint Council on Closing the Gap, including priorities for early support and prevention, Aboriginal community-controlled child and family services, delegated authority and workforce development.

These discussions support work towards Target 12, which aims to reduce the rate of over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care by 45 per cent by 2031.

Members participated in a workshop on the co-drafted First Nations Education Policy, considering its implementation and implications for early childhood education and care (ECEC).

SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and the First Nations Caucus welcomed ECEC’s inclusion in a national education policy, while raising concerns about the draft.

They called for clearer recognition of ECEC as a distinct education system, the role of Aboriginal community-controlled integrated early years services, and children and young people with disability.

Workshop feedback will inform refinement and implementation planning before Education Ministers consider the revised policy in the first half of 2027.

The meeting also considered how the National Agreement on Closing the Gap Priority Reforms could be embedded in a potential Early Education and Care Commission.

SNAICC and the First Nations Caucus supported a commission with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance and shared decision-making. Members raised concerns about limited opportunities for broader First Nations peak body input, with co-chairs committing to further engagement.

Education Ministers agreed in July to explore the proposal. The Department of Education identifies potential functions including supporting universal access, service availability and workforce development, alongside existing national arrangements.

Members discussed better ways to monitor the partnership’s priorities and respond to its independent evaluation.

The partnership provides a forum for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and governments to work together on community-led early childhood care and development outcomes. Its September discussions brought education, family support and child protection reform into that shared policy agenda.

The next meeting is scheduled for December 2026. Further details are available in the meeting outcomes summary.