Senate inquiry established into safety and quality in early childhood education and care

The Parenthood has welcomed the establishment of a Senate inquiry into safety and quality in early childhood education and care

“Safety and quality go hand in hand. Anything less is unacceptable when we’re talking about young children. Every child deserves to be safe and every parent deserves to trust the system.”

“Early childhood education and care has exploded in size over the past decade—but investment and innovation in safety and quality haven’t kept pace. That gap has led to some shocking failures that have shaken parents’ trust. We cannot allow safety and quality to be left behind while the system grows.”

“Right now, there are workforce shortages, childcare deserts in regional, rural and remote communities, and a funding model that simply isn’t fit-for-purpose. Parents are struggling to access the care they need — and children are missing out.”

“Early childhood education and care is not a ‘nice to have’. It’s an essential service that delivers enormous benefits.”

“For children, high-quality early learning is life-changing. It sets them up for school, boosts their long-term education outcomes, and reduces their risk of unemployment or contact with the justice system. It’s one of the smartest investments we can make.”

“For parents, the reality is clear: two incomes are needed to meet the cost of living. Early education and care makes that possible. For women in particular, it’s the key to returning to work, building a career, earning higher salaries, and retiring with greater financial security.”

“The provision of affordable, high-quality early learning also supercharges our economy. It lifts productivity and strengthens our nation’s future.”

“Australian families deserve a system that is safe, trusted, affordable, and universal—delivered by a respected and well-supported workforce. The Parenthood welcomes this Senate inquiry and will be engaging constructively to ensure reforms deliver exactly that.”