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Economics
Policy
Quality
ECEC services set to be included under amended Disability Standards for Education
Amendments to extend the Disability Standards for Education 2005 to include early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are currently before the Australian Parliament, in a move expected to strengthen protections for children with disability in the years before school.
2026-01-08 07:30:10
by Fiona Alston
Economics
New public preschools break ground in Macquarie Fields and Ingleburn
Construction has commenced on two new public preschools in south-western Sydney, marking a significant step in improving access to early childhood education across New South Wales. The new facilities, Curran Public Preschool and Sackville Street Public Preschool, are part of the state’s largest-ever public preschool expansion initiative, underpinned by a $769 million investment from the NSW Government.
2026-01-07 06:30:12
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Provider
Quality
Workforce
3 Day Guarantee comes into effect: New CCS rules unlock access for families and children
A landmark change to early childhood education and care (ECEC) has come into effect today, with the Australian Government’s 3 Day Guarantee now providing all Child Care Subsidy (CCS) eligible families with access to a minimum of 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.
2026-01-05 06:30:55
by Fiona Alston
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
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