The Productivity Commission of Australia has called for every child in the country to have access to at least three days a week of high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC). This recommendation was part of their final inquiry report, which was made public on Wednesday.
The report emphasizes the need for a system that is “accessible, affordable for all families, and inclusive for all children.” It is based on extensive engagement with stakeholders from the ECEC sector, including educators, academics, advocacy groups, and the wider community.
Addressing Inequality and Accessibility
The report suggests that the federal government should prioritize ensuring that cost does not prevent children from low-income families from accessing early education. Associate Commissioner Deborah Brennan, who led the inquiry, highlighted that children facing vulnerability and disadvantage benefit significantly from quality ECEC but are currently less likely to attend.
Recommendations for Policy Changes
The authors of the report recommend abolishing the activity test, which currently links the amount of childcare subsidy a family receives to the number of hours they work, study, or volunteer. They argue that a child’s right to at least three days of ECEC per week should not be dependent on their parents’ work hours.
For families with an annual income of up to $80,000, the report suggests increasing the childcare subsidy to cover 100% of the hourly rate cap.
Supporting the ECEC Workforce
The report also proposes measures to support the ECEC workforce by enhancing professional development and creating better career paths. Commissioner Martin Stokie emphasized that addressing workforce challenges is crucial for progress towards a universal ECEC system.
Investment in Disadvantaged and Remote Communities
Achieving universal childcare will require additional government investment to establish ECEC services in disadvantaged and regional communities, where such services are currently scarce or nonexistent. Commissioner Lisa Gropp pointed out the need for more funding to address these service gaps.
Inclusion of All Children
Commissioner Stokie added that the system can only be universal if it welcomes every child, regardless of their abilities or cultural backgrounds. The Australian Government should increase funding to ensure the inclusion of all children.
Response from Advocacy Groups
The report has been praised by national peak body SNAICC, which represents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities. CEO Catherine Liddle called the potential reforms a “gamechanger” and urged political leaders to implement them.
Advocacy group The Parenthood also commended the “landmark report,” with CEO Georgie Dent emphasizing the need for wholesale reform to address affordability and inclusivity in early learning and care.
Government Consideration
The federal government is currently considering the report’s recommendations and will consult further with the ECEC sector before announcing plans for implementing universal care. Dent stated that the realization of these reforms depends on legislating every child’s right to early education and ensuring it is genuinely affordable.