Affordability & Accessibility LATEST STORIES

Economics
Policy
Quality
Provider
Research
Is your service ready? Key updates to Queensland kindergarten funding in 2026
Queensland’s Kindergarten Funding program continues to evolve as a key mechanism to expand access to quality early childhood education and care (ECEC). From 1 January 2026, updated funding category guidelines and funding essentials will take effect, building on the reforms introduced in 2025 and reinforcing the state’s commitment to free kindergarten for all Queensland families.
2025-12-17 07:00:15
by Fiona Alston

Economics
Provider
What early childhood providers need to know about mandatory merger clearance in 2026
As Australia enters 2026, one of the most significant competition law changes in decades will come into effect, and early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers should be aware of what it means for the sector. From 1 January 2026, a mandatory, suspensory merger clearance regime will require certain large business acquisitions to be reviewed and approved by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) before they can proceed.
2025-12-17 06:30:05
by Fiona Alston

Economics
Early childhood education assets continue to attract strong investor interest in record-breaking $151m Burgess Rawson from CBRE auction
Investment in early childhood education and care (ECEC) infrastructure continues to demonstrate resilience and long-term value, with a standout childcare transaction featuring Burgess Rawson from CBRE’s final portfolio auction for 2025.
2025-12-16 08:00:10
by Fiona Alston

Economics
Policy
Provider
Quality
Workforce
Community-led early learning service opens in Alice Springs to support First Nations children
A new early childhood education and care service has opened in Alice Springs, increasing access to high-quality, culturally responsive education for local First Nations families.
2025-12-12 07:34:17
by Fiona Alston

Economics
Provider
Workforce
Queensland Government expands investment in early learning access
The Queensland Government has announced investment to deliver new early learning programs across the state, with a focus on supporting families and children who face barriers to accessing kindergarten. The initiative aims to ensure more children are developmentally on track by the time they start school, aligning with the state’s commitment to equitable access and quality outcomes in early childhood education.
2025-12-05 07:00:51
by Fiona Alston
Load More
Popular

Policy
Economics
Jobs News
Provider
Workforce
Children’s Services Award changes finalised to address gender-based undervaluation
2025-12-12 06:58:10
by Fiona Alston

Quality
Workforce
Practice
Provider
Caring for children after community tragedy
2025-12-15 08:28:17
by Fiona Alston

Economics
Provider
Quality
Jobs News
Policy
Practice
Workforce
The year in review: 2025's most impactful ECEC news stories and shifts
2025-12-16 07:32:18
by Fiona Alston








