Productivity Commission data highlights urgent need for National Early Childhood Commission

Productivity Commission data highlights urgent need for National Early Childhood Commission 

New Productivity Commission data revealing an increase in the number of serious incidents across Australian early childhood education and care services reinforces the urgent need for a National Early Childhood Commission.

The Parenthood’s CEO Georgie Dent said Australian parents are losing trust in the childcare services they rely upon. 

“Alarmingly, the latest Productivity Commission data reveals the number of times children’s health, safety or wellbeing is being seriously compromised in ECEC settings is increasing, not decreasing.

“Children’s safety must come first. The Government must move to establish a National Early Childhood Commission to ensure there is consistent oversight, safety and quality across the sector.” 

The Productivity Commission data also demonstrates an increase in the number of confirmed breaches of the National Quality Framework, to 222 breaches per 100 approved services up from 201 the year prior. The highest rate of breaches was seen among Family Day Care services. 

Ms Dent said the regulation of the sector has failed to keep pace with its expansion, and a national body was urgently required to ensure quality and safety are non-negotiable requirements across all Australian childcare settings. 

“For many families, confidence remains fragile. One in 10 have withdrawn from care and many more reduced work hours after safety scandals — that reflects shaken confidence. 

“No parent should have to choose between their child’s safety and their financial security. 

“We need the Government to move swiftly and enhance the regulation and oversight of our ECEC system to protect children in care and restore the broken trust of Australian parents,” Ms Dent said. 

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