7 May 2026
The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) welcomes the announcement by Minister Clare and Minister Walsh that consultations will soon begin on the establishment of a national Early Education and Care Commission.
Anne Hollonds AO, CEO of ELACCA, said ‘While important steps have been taken to strengthen the safeguarding of children following the revelations of systemic weaknesses last year, more work is needed to rebuild the trust and confidence of families.
‘It is clear that the Australian ECEC system requires nationally co-ordinated leadership of reform. The current system remains fragmented and unco-ordinated, creating barriers to the delivery of safe, affordable, sustainable, and quality early learning and care services.
‘All governments across the federation need to work together and commit to building a sustainable ECEC system that makes children’s safety, rights and best interests a national priority.
‘Support for growing a stable workforce of qualified educators is critical to this aim, as is the oversight and monitoring of the supply of services across the nation.
‘ELACCA service providers are committed to working with governments on evidence-based reform to build an ECEC system that prioritises the safety, rights and best interests of children, and rebuilds the trust and confidence of families.
‘We look forward to assisting governments in this initial phase of consultations for a national Early Education and Care Commission.’
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For interviews contact:
Anne Hollonds AO
CEO, Early Learning and Care Council of Australia www.elacca.org.au
M: 0411 382 692