Preschool programs delivered by members of the Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) may be forced to close as a result of funding cuts imposed by the New South Wales Government.

ELACCA has collected data from five of its members (not-for-profit and for-profit), showing a collective loss of $8.5 million in preschool funding in 2027. This is spread across 255 long day care services, with communities in regional NSW among the hardest hit.

“The scale of this cut is staggering,” said Dr Amanda Walsh, the CEO of ELACCA. “At a time when governments across Australia are focused on quality and safety in early learning services, it beggars belief that the Minns Government is stripping away funding.”

“The cut will have direct impacts on children, because this money is coming directly out of staffing and resources budgets. But the bigger problem is financial viability – and these cuts could force long day care services to close.”

Long day care services in NSW currently use Start Strong preschool program payments to fund: degree-qualified teachers; the inclusion of children experiencing vulnerability; and educational resources, along with other inputs that build quality and safety.

Although the NSW Government is increasing the number of government-run preschools in NSW, 64% of children attend 4-year-old preschool in long day care services, and that number rises to 73% for all children aged 3 and older. The decision to discontinue program payments was made without any consultation with the early learning sector.

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About ELACCA

ELACCA wants all children in Australia to have access to inclusive, high-quality early learning and care, delivered by a skilled, valued workforce.

We draw on the knowledge and experience of our members, contributing to the development of evidence-based public policy for the early years sector.

We seek to co-create with governments a strong, sustainable early learning and care system that can support all children and families across Australia.

Our members represent both not-for-profit and for-profit providers of early learning and care services. They operate a total of 2,383 services, including 2,002 long day care services, 304 preschool/kindergarten services and 77 OSHC services, covering every state and territory. ELACCA members serve 356,339 children and their families, and employ more than 57,382 staff.

elacca.org.au

Contact

Dr Victoria Flanagan, Senior Policy Manager

M: 0498 228 762

The post Staggering funding cuts to NSW preschool programs across ELACCA appeared first on ELACCA.

The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) urges the NSW Government to reverse its decision to cut funding for preschool programs delivered in long day care services.  

“This is a shocking decision, because the funding cut will have a direct impact on children,” said Dr Amanda Walsh, the CEO of ELACCA.  

“Long day care services use the preschool program funding to pay for degree-qualified teachers, for the inclusion of children experiencing vulnerability, and for educational resources, along with many other things that build quality and safety. 

“When the program funding disappears on 1 January next year, all these building blocks are under threat: our qualified workforce, inclusive environments and strong educational programs.  

“Fee relief for parents and caregivers is very important – but we also want to ensure their children get the best possible preschool experience. That means balancing fee relief with investment in quality preschool, to ensure that every child is ready for school, no matter which service they attend.” 

“Long day care services are using the preschool payments to build quality, and I’m confident our members could meet any new funding conditions linked to quality, if the NSW Government chooses to adjust the program, rather than scrap it. 

“We see similar quality uplift programs operating very successfully in other states, such as Victoria, and we know they can support children in NSW, too.” 

ELACCA has surveyed its members – who provide more than 500 long day care services across NSW – on the impact of the funding cut. For one not-for-profit provider, the cut will push two of its 16 services into financial deficit, raising the serious prospect of imminent closures. All ELACCA members operating in NSW, together with their staff, will feel the impact of the cut. 

Although the NSW Government is increasing the number of government-run preschools in NSW, 63.8% of children attend 4-year-old preschool in long day care services. The decision to discontinue program payments was made without any consultation with the sector. 

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About ELACCA

ELACCA wants all children in Australia to have access to inclusive, high-quality early learning and care, delivered by a skilled, valued workforce.

We draw on the knowledge and experience of our members, contributing to the development of evidence-based public policy for the early years sector.

We seek to co-create with governments a strong, sustainable early learning and care system that can support all children and families across Australia.

Our members represent both not-for-profit and for-profit providers of early learning and care services. They operate a total of 2,383 services, including 2,002 long day care services, 304 preschool/kindergarten services and 77 OSHC services, covering every state and territory. ELACCA members serve 356,339 children and their families, and employ more than 57,382 staff.

Contact

elacca.org.au

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17 June 2026 

The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) welcomes the Australian Government’s decision to extend its landmark wage subsidy for early childhood educators.

The continuation of the Worker Retention Payment provides much-needed certainty for Australia’s early childhood educators, and reinforces the foundations for a strong early learning system in this country.

‘Today’s announcement is such good news for educators, and for  the families that rely on early learning and care services,’ said Dr Amanda Walsh, the CEO of ELACCA.

‘On behalf of our members, we congratulate the Albanese Government on this $3.6 billion investment – the latest in a series of investments in the early learning system.

‘The Worker Retention Payment has been a game-changer for early childhood educators, providing them with decent remuneration, without requiring families to foot the bill through higher fees.’

Early childhood educators sit at the heart of Australia’s early learning and care system. When we pay our educators well, and invest in their skills and professional knowledge, we create strong, safe learning environments for young children.

ELACCA will continue to work with the Australian Government, to help ensure that policy decisions are based on sound evidence and a solid commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children, families and their educators.

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About ELACCA

ELACCA wants all children in Australia to have access to inclusive, high-quality early learning and care, delivered by a skilled, valued workforce.

We draw on the knowledge and experience of our members, contributing to the development of evidence-based public policy for the early years sector.

We seek to co-create with governments a strong, sustainable early learning and care system that can support all children and families across Australia.

Our 17 members represent both not-for-profit and for-profit providers of early learning and care services. They operate a total of 2,383 services, including 2,002 long day care services, 304 preschool/kindergarten services and 77 OSHC services, covering every state and territory. ELACCA members serve 356,339 children and their families, and employ more than 57,382 staff.

Contact

elacca.org.au

The post Extension of Worker Retention Payment is an essential investment in Australia’s early learning system appeared first on ELACCA.

9 June 2026 

The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia is very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Amanda Walsh as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Amanda has a long association with ELACCA, previously working with the organisation in policy, projects and partnerships roles. 

Amanda began her career as a diplomat, before moving into policy and advisory work. She is well known to the early years sector, where she has worked for peak bodies and served as the CEO of Playgroup Australia. She was a member of the Australian Government’s Advisory Panel for the Early Years Strategy 2024-34. Amanda rejoins ELACCA from United Way Australia, where she served as Director of Strategic Partnerships.

Amanda has a PhD in political economy and political science. 

ELACCA members look forward to working with Amanda, as we continue our efforts to build the strong, safe and inclusive early learning system that Australia needs.

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About ELACCA

ELACCA wants all children in Australia to have access to inclusive, high-quality early learning and care, delivered by a skilled, valued workforce.

We draw on the knowledge and experience of our members, contributing to the development of evidence-based public policy for the early years sector.

We seek to co-create with governments a strong, sustainable early learning and care system that can support all children and families across Australia.

Our 17 members represent both not-for-profit and for-profit providers of early learning and care services. They operate a total of 2,383 services, including 2,002 long day care services, 304 preschool/kindergarten services and 77 OSHC services, covering every state and territory. ELACCA members serve 356,339 children and their families, and employ more than 57,382 staff.

Contact

elacca.org.au

The post Early Learning and Care Council of Australia welcomes Dr Amanda Walsh as new CEO appeared first on ELACCA.

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 Childhood 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 Childhood 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

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11 March 2026 

The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) is conducting a briefing at Parliament House Canberra on Thursday 12 March 2026, hosted by the cross-party led Parliamentary Friends of Early Childhood:

The path forward: How we can build the early learning system that Australia’s children need.

Anne Hollonds AO, Chief Executive of ELACCA, and former National Children’s Commissioner (2020-2025) said: ‘This is a critical time for reform in early childhood education and care, with a large number of regulatory changes and Parliamentary inquiries underway.

‘We are delighted to announce that Senator the Honourable Jess Walsh, Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth, will be speaking.

‘There will also be an expert panel with Laureate Professor Karen Thorpe from University of QLD sharing international evidence on the critical factors in early childhood education and care that contribute to positive child development outcomes. Penny Dakin, Executive Director Communities at Minderoo, will outline options for an independent National Early Childhood Services Commission developed by Thrive by Five alliance experts.

‘In 2025 the community was shocked to learn about the systemic weaknesses in child safeguarding in the early childhood education and care sector across Australia. Governments and service providers are addressing these serious systemic issues, and there is much more to do.

‘This event is focussed on the opportunities we have with decades of evidence – the opportunities to build the early learning system that Australia’s children need.’

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For interviews and further information contact:

Anne Hollonds     M: 0411 382 692     E: anne.hollonds@elacca.org.au

About ELACCA    www.elacca.org.au 

ELACCA is a peak body representing the nation’s largest providers of early learning and care services including preschool/kindergarten, long day care, outside school hours and family day care.

ELACCA members comprise a significant percentage of the nation’s not-for-profit and private providers operating 2,386 early learning services for 358,812 children and their families, and employing more than 58,738 staff.

ELACCA advocates for the right of all children to access quality early learning and care, particularly children facing disadvantage. Our advocacy builds on international evidence, and the knowledge and experience of our members.

The post Building the early learning system that Australia’s children need appeared first on ELACCA.

5 January 2026 

The commencement of the 3 Day Guarantee today moves Australia one step closer to universal early learning and care, removing a longstanding barrier to children’s participation.

The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) welcomes the commencement of the 3 Day Guarantee, which extends access to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to all eligible children in Australia, for at least 72 hours per fortnight (three days per week).

‘This new measure is a big step forward in securing every child’s right to learn,’ said the CEO of ELACCA, Anne Hollonds.

‘For three days each week, the Australian Government is prioritising a child’s right to early learning, even if their parent or carer is not in the workforce or has irregular working hours,’ Ms Hollonds said. ‘This is an important cultural shift for Australia, reflecting the critical importance of early learning to all children, separately to support for parents’ workforce participation.  It opens the way for genuine universal access to early learning and care.’

‘The extension of the 3 Day Guarantee to 100 hours per fortnight (or four days per week) for First Nations children is especially important, given the urgent need to close the gap in education and health outcomes in First Nations communities.’

Alongside other organisations, ELACCA has long advocated for the removal of the ‘activity test’, which had previously restricted access to the CCS based on parents’ and carers’ participation in employment, study or volunteering. In its 2023-24 inquiry into the early learning system, the Productivity Commission found that the activity test ‘limits access to ECEC for those children and families who need it most, without substantial gains in labour force participation’.[1]

[1] Productivity Commission. (2024). A path to universal early childhood education and care, Inquiry report no. 106, Vol. 1, Canberra, p. 5.

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Contact:

Anne Hollonds, CEO

M: 0411 382 692

E: anne.hollonds@elacca.org.au 

Early Learning and Care Council of Australia

PO Box 497

Roseville NSW 2069

www.elacca.org.au

About us:  

Our 17 CEO members include some of the largest early learning providers in the country, representing both not-for-profit and for-profit services. 

ELACCA members operate 2,019 long day care services, 298 preschool/kindergarten services and 70 OSHC services, covering every state and territory. They offer one-quarter of all the long day care places in Australia. Together, our members serve 356,339 children and their families, and employ more than 57,382 staff.

As well as promoting the value of quality early learning and the need for greater public investment, ELACCA advocates for the right of all children to access quality early learning and care, particularly children facing disadvantage. We do this by drawing on the knowledge and practical experience of our members and representing their views to decision makers in government, the media and the public. 

The post Australia takes a leap forward on early learning with the 3 Day Guarantee appeared first on ELACCA.

Prioritising child safety is not optional. The safety, rights, and best interests of every child are our highest priority and our paramount consideration in operational decisions.

As Australia’s largest providers of early childhood education and care, ELACCA members are united in our commitment to prioritise child safety.

We commit to:

• working closely with Commonwealth, state and territory governments to implement evidence-based reforms across Australia,

• delivering mandatory child safety training from February 2026 across all services without exception,

• ensuring every educator completes mandatory child safety training in paid time, and we will work directly with our teams and families to deliver it in the most effective way possible. We welcome the Commonwealth Government’s support for training to be conducted during CCS hours, and we will work with state and territory governments to enable the best support for other service types,

• supporting our qualified and capable educators. Together, we employ more than 57,000 early childhood education professionals. Their vigilance, professionalism, and daily commitment to child safety and wellbeing are critical to the protection of children and their rights,

• ensuring that all services build positive child-safe cultures in recognition of the fact that child safety requires more than compliance or minimum standards, and

• ensuring that child safety, rights and best interests are visible at the core of governance and strategy in our member organisations.

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19 November 2025 

Anne brings a wealth of experience, vision, and dedication from 28 years of senior leadership across government and non-government sectors, with a distinguished career dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families. Anne recently completed her term as Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission. In her previous CEO roles, Anne provided advice to governments and led research, policy and practice in education, health and social services, including as a provider of early childhood education and family support services.  

Throughout her career, Anne has championed evidence-based policy and systems reform and has been a strong advocate for the safety and wellbeing of children and their families.  

“I am honoured to join ELACCA at such a pivotal time for the early learning and care sector in Australia. Every child deserves access to high-quality education and care, and I look forward to working with our members, partners, and governments to strengthen the sector and make the safety, rights and wellbeing of children our priority nationwide.” — Anne Hollonds, CEO, ELACCA 
 
“Anne’s leadership will be instrumental in guiding ELACCA through the next chapter of our journey, as we continue to advocate for quality early learning for all children across Australia. We are confident that Anne’s strategic insight and collaborative spirit will strengthen our partnerships, amplify our voice in policy discussions, and support our members in delivering quality education and care.  

We thank Sally Maddison for leading ELACCA as Acting CEO, and look forward to Anne’s leadership as ELACCA continues to champion quality early learning and care for every Australian child.

Anne will commence at ELACCA on Monday 24 November 2025.” 

Pejman Okhovat and Kay Turner, ELACCA Co-chairs

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Early Learning and Care Council of Australia

PO Box 348

Annandale NSW 2038

www.elacca.org.au

About us:  

The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) was established to promote the value of quality early learning and care as an integral part of Australia’s education system. Our 17 CEO members include some of the largest early learning providers in the country, representing both not-for-profit and for-profit services. ELACCA members operate 1,947 long day care services, 297 preschool/kindergarten services and 77 OSHC services, covering every state and territory. They offer one-quarter of all the early learning places in Australia. Together, our members serve 356,339 children and their families, and employ more than 57,000 staff.  

As well as promoting the value of quality early learning and the need for greater public investment, ELACCA advocates for the right of all children to access quality early learning and care, particularly children facing disadvantage. We do this by drawing on the knowledge and practical experience of our members and representing their views to decision makers in government, the media and the public.  

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ELACCA and its members are committed to delivering safe, quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) for all children. Across all the priorities we pursue in our work, nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of children. We are collectively driven by a zero-tolerance approach to child harm, in all its forms.

We know that qualified early childhood teachers and educators remain the single most critical guarantor of child safety. We pay tribute to our early childhood teachers and educators – overwhelmingly, they are skilled professionals who consistently demonstrate their commitment to the paramount importance of the child.

ELACCA supports an ECEC system in which:

• Child safety is the paramount consideration
• Approved providers – including all their staff – have a clear understanding of standards and regulations
• Educators feel supported and empowered to act in the best interests of children
• High-quality pedagogy underpins the standards
• Innovation and customisation – including educational programs that are specific to places and communities – are encouraged.

We welcomed the package of child safety reforms announced by Australia’s Education Ministers in August 2025. We are currently engaging with governments across the country to ensure that legislative, policy and regulatory changes are impactful, feasible, and aligned with high-quality service delivery.

As large providers of ECEC services, ELACCA members are uniquely positioned to lead in embedding child safety improvements at scale. We will continue to contribute our time, energy and resources to support the national reforms.

The emerging suite of improvements to ECEC system infrastructure and regulatory practice, combined with investment in educator training, will strengthen our collective capacity to prevent harm to children.

Importantly, our members are committed to working with families to explain the new safety measures, and to build relationships of trust, vigilance and accountability. Following a series of highly publicised cases of alleged and proven abuse of children, it is vital that we build the confidence of families, by embedding safeguarding practices across the entire sector.

ELACCA members understand the scale of the challenge, and are committed to building a world-class system of child safety. Australia’s children deserve nothing less.

November 2025

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