New $30.5m investment to expand early learning access across Tasmania

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Fiona Alston

Feb 03, 2026

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Hundreds of new early childhood education and care (ECEC) places will be delivered across Tasmania under a joint funding package announced by the Albanese and Rockliff Governments.

The historic $30.5 million investment, comprising $25.5 million in federal funding through the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund and $5 million from the Tasmanian Government, will fund the construction of new not-for-profit early learning services in areas of identified need across the state.

The capital works program will see five new services established or expanded across Tasmania, supporting improved access to early learning for families in rural and regional communities.

Planned developments include:

Westbury Primary School – $5 million for a new service with 36 ECEC places
Rosetta Primary School – $5 million for a new service with 36 ECEC places
St Marys District School – $4 million to develop a service with 24 ECEC places
Bruny Island District School – $3.5 million to deliver 20 ECEC places
Bothwell District High School – $3 million for a new service offering 20 long day care places

A further joint commitment will support the delivery of an early learning service at Huonville Primary School, with planning underway.

Lady Gowrie Tasmania has also secured $334,000 through the Commonwealth’s Community Child Care Fund, complemented by $200,000 in state government funding, to support the continuation of quality early learning services in Latrobe. The funding follows the closure of a local provider and is expected to deliver much-needed stability for families in the area.

Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare said the projects would ensure families in under-served areas could access quality early learning locally.

“Where you grow up shouldn’t determine whether you can access early education,” Mr Clare said.
“These projects in Tasmania mean more families can access early learning close to home, and more children start school ready to go and ready to learn.”

Minister for Early Childhood Education Senator Jess Walsh called the investment an important step toward building a universal ECEC system.

“Every child deserves access to quality early learning, no matter their postcode, or what their parents do for work,” she said.

Tasmanian Minister for Education Jo Palmer highlighted the importance of access in regional areas:

“We are proud to be partnering with the Commonwealth to deliver for Tasmanian families.”

To read the full media release, including a breakdown of project locations and funding details, visit: Expanding access to early education in Tasmania

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