Deborah Brennan to lead Productivity Commission Inquiry

The appointment of Professor Deborah Brennan AM to co-lead the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Australia’s early childhood education and care system is welcome. The inquiry is a key component of the Albanese government’s...

The Parenthood welcomes appointment of Professor Deborah Brennan AM to lead Productivity Commission Inquiry

The appointment of Professor Deborah Brennan AM to co-lead the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Australia’s early childhood education and care system is welcome.

“The inquiry is a key component of the Albanese government’s commitment to making quality early childhood education and care universally accessible,” CEO of The Parenthood, Georgie Dent said. “As a globally renowned academic with expertise in early education Professor Brennan is eminently qualified to lead this inquiry.”

“Beyond the government’s ‘Cheaper Child Care’ reforms that will make early learning more affordable for families from 1 July, this inquiry will examine the system more broadly including access and workforce shortages,” Dent said. “The terms of reference ask the commission to make recommendations that will support affordable, accessible, equitable and high-quality ECEC that reduces barriers to workforce participation and supports children’s learning and development.”

“Building a truly universal, quality early childhood education and care system has the potential to transform our nation. It is social, educational and economic reform that will help ensure all children are set up for success,” said Dent.

“Investment in early childhood education and care is an investment in building the nation’s social capital. It is an investment in the future prosperity of the country and just as important as physical infrastructure. For every dollar invested in early childhood education we get at least $2 in return,” said Dent. “There is not a person or organisation in Australia that won’t benefit from a universal, quality early childhood education and care system.”

“A comprehensive early childhood education and care system is key to progress on gender and income equality; healthy child development and family well-being; educational outcomes; and economic growth and prosperity. Few reforms can deliver such strong economic returns, let alone the health, educational and social benefits for children and their families.”