MEDIA ALERT: National Early Education and Care Commission offers opportunity to build a safer, better and fairer system for all children
Uniting NSW.ACT
Uniting NSW.ACT welcomes today’s federal government commitment to consultation on a national Early Education and Care Commission as a bold next step towards universal access to early learning.
As a not-for-profit provider of early learning and other community services across NSW and the ACT, Uniting supports the creation of a national Early Education and Care Commission (EECC) to provide greater consistency and coordination in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector and help improve access to early learning for every child.
The establishment of a Commission was a direct recommendation of the Productivity Commission’s 2024 inquiry into the ECEC sector in Australia.
Head of Early Learning at Uniting, Nadia Petrovski, said the decision to have the EECC at the top of the agenda at the Education Ministers' meeting in July offers an opportunity for national agreement on how best to strengthen the early learning system.
“The start of the conversation with states and territories about a future EECC is an important step towards universal early learning for families. This is a critical opportunity to put structures in place to be able to build a better, fairer system that works for all children and families, not just those who can access it now.”
“The Commission should be designed to ensure inclusion, quality and safety are built into the system and not left to chance. These are not separate issues. They rise and fall together.”
“We particularly welcome the government’s proposal that the Commission could play a role in helping to locate services where families need them most as the benefits of access to safe, quality early learning last a lifetime.
“Right now, too many children – particularly those experiencing disadvantage – are missing out on these benefits.
“We need a system that is well-funded, properly staffed and designed to include every child, especially those who stand to benefit most but are also most likely to miss out.
“We look forward to having a seat at the table in the initial phase of consultation for an EECC and share the government’s commitment to every child having access to the quality early learning they deserve.”
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About us:
About Uniting
Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through community services, social impact and advocacy. We provide services for people through all ages and stages of life, and drive solutions to systemic issues so people experiencing disadvantage can live their best lives. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We value diversity and always welcome everyone exactly as they are.
Contact details:
Annabel McGilvray
Media and Public Affairs Manager
0403 411 385
amcgilvray@uniting