Every child and family in Australia should be able to access safe, high-quality early education and care, wherever they live.
Australia’s early education and care system is shared across governments, regulators and providers, but no single body is responsible for how the system performs.
Thrive by Five is calling for a strong, independent National Early Education and Care Commission with the authority, capability and legitimacy to steward the system over the long term.
The commission is an important step towards Thrive by Five’s broader vision which is a connected, place-based early childhood development system that helps families access the health, education and social supports they need.
National Early Education and Care Commission blueprint summary
One system, divided responsibilities
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in their earliest years, and Australia is already making significant investments and reforms for early education and care.
But without one body having a clear, whole-of-system view or enduring responsibility for long-term performance, that effort risks being fragmented instead of improving access, quality, safety and outcomes for all children and families.
This means families experience gaps in access, affordability and consistency. Educators must navigate a range of workforce pressures. Governments face shared problems without the infrastructure to plan and respond together.
These challenges are too often addressed as separate or urgent issues rather than as connected features of one national system.
A trusted national authority
Children and families should not have to navigate a fragmented system. They deserve safe, high-quality early childhood development, education and care wherever they live.
A strong commission can help the whole system plan ahead and work together.
Australia needs an independent national steward with the evidence, authority and long-term focus to guide reform, align effort, improve accountability and keep children, families and communities at the centre of decisions.
For parents
Thrive by Five is Minderoo Foundation’s early childhood development campaign. We work with families, communities and partners to build support for lasting reform that helps every child thrive.
We want Australia’s early childhood development system to be connected, high-quality and accessible so families can get the right support, wherever they live.
Ideas for families
Children’s earliest years shape lifelong learning and wellbeing. Explore practical ideas for creating meaningful moments with your child.
Share your experience of the early years
Families’ experiences can show where the system works and where change is needed. Share your experience to help strengthen advocacy for safe, high-quality and accessible support for every child and family.
