ECEC commission proposal puts service planning in focus ahead of ministers’ meeting

Education Minister Jason Clare has reiterated support for a potential national ECEC commission ahead of ministers’ next meeting, with service planning, workforce development and child safety among the areas under consideration.

Education Minister Jason Clare has highlighted the proposed Early Education and Care Commission in a LinkedIn post sharing footage of his remarks in Parliament.

Mr Clare said the government was examining a potential commission “to drive reform and keep our kids safe”.

His comments come ahead the education ministers’ next meeting, which a Department of Education update identifies as taking place in early November. Ministers previously requested further advice on the proposal.

Planning services where families need them

The Department of Education identifies several possible functions for a national commission:

• Helping guide the development of universal early childhood education and care.
• Helping ensure services are located where families need them with better coordination.
• Providing analysis to support workforce development.
• Building on existing national arrangements, including ACECQA’s work.

Governments are considering the commission’s potential benefits, design and scope. Its responsibilities have not been finalised.

Mr Clare previously flagged a final decision in 2027. Speaking at the Early Childhood Australia National Conference on 1 October, he linked the proposal to improving data and addressing oversupply in some suburbs and undersupply in others.

July agreement set work in motion

Education ministers agreed in July to explore a national commission. They also agreed that, if established, it should involve reform of the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

The department says state and territory regulators would retain responsibility for compliance, enforcement, assessment and rating, supported by ACECQA. A commission would complement those arrangements.

Access the Department of Education’s information about the proposed commission here.