Affordability & Accessibility LATEST STORIES
Economics
Policy
Provider
Workforce
Minister Rishworth highlights early childhood education initiatives in Melbourne press conference
Minister for Early Childhood Education Amanda Rishworth addressed the media during a press conference in Melbourne, held on 5 June to discuss the government's ongoing commitment to early childhood education and care. The press conference covered various initiatives aimed at improving access, affordability, and quality of early learning services across Australia.
2025-06-05 11:26:31
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Provider
Research
The ‘3 day guarantee’ for childcare starts next year. The challenge could be finding quality care
One of the Albanese government’s headline election policies was a “three-day guarantee” for childcare.
2025-05-29 10:22:18
by Contributed Content
Economics
Research
Workforce
Short-term birth rate fixes won’t solve long-term ECEC challenges
As debate grows over Australia’s declining birthrate, some policymakers are turning to financial incentives in hopes of reversing the trend. But international evidence suggests a broader, systemic response is needed, especially across the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector.
2025-05-28 09:45:21
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Policy
Research
Workforce
ECEC workforce exceeds 268,000, but access and equity gaps remain
Australia’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce now exceeds 268,000, according to the 2024 National Workforce Census. While qualifications are improving and enrolments are rising, the sector continues to face staffing pressures, limited capacity and persistent equity gaps, particularly in rural and low income communities.
2025-05-08 10:45:11
by Isabella Southwell
Economics
Policy
Coorong council consults community to address early learning access gaps
Coorong District Council is seeking local input as part of a feasibility study into child care needs across the region. With ongoing early learning shortages and “child care desert” status identified in past reports, the council has engaged Community Early Learning Australia to assess local demand and recommend solutions. Residents can now share their feedback online or attend consultation sessions scheduled throughout May.
2025-05-06 13:08:23
by Isabella Southwell
Load More
