Where national policy decides what families experience

01

Funding

Funding equity across provider types

Government funding models should follow the child and the quality of provision, not the ownership structure of the service.

Australian families choose services on the basis of quality, location and fit. Funding and subsidy settings should reflect that reality. NAECEC advocates for equitable treatment of all approved providers so that public investment supports access and quality wherever families need care, rather than privileging particular ownership models.

02

Funding

Transparency and accountability in funding frameworks

Public investment in early education should be transparent, measurable and accountable to families and taxpayers.

NAECEC supports clear reporting on how subsidy and grant funding flows through the sector, what it purchases, and what outcomes it achieves for children. Transparency strengthens public confidence and allows government to target investment where it makes the greatest difference.

03

Workforce

Workforce sustainability and wage reform

The sector cannot expand access without a stable, valued and professionally supported workforce.

Workforce shortages limit the sector's capacity to meet family demand. NAECEC advocates for coordinated national workforce planning, sustainable wage reform and practical qualification and career pathways that support attraction and retention.

04

Regulation

Planning and regulatory reform to grow capacity

In communities experiencing shortages, planning and approval settings can delay new supply.

Communities experiencing shortages need faster, more predictable planning and approval pathways. NAECEC works with governments on reform that unlocks new supply in the places it is most needed while maintaining rigorous standards for quality and safety.

05

Reputation

Recognition of professional private providers

Privately owned providers deliver a substantial share of Australia's early education and care.

NAECEC seeks accurate public and policy recognition of the contribution professional private providers make to access, employment, innovation and quality across metropolitan, regional and rural Australia.

06

Regulation

Reducing unnecessary regulatory burden

High standards and proportionate regulation are not in conflict.

NAECEC supports rigorous standards for quality and child safety, and advocates for the removal of duplicated, low-value administrative requirements that divert educator time away from children.

07

Reputation

A balanced, evidence-based public narrative

Public debate about early education should be grounded in evidence and operational reality.

NAECEC contributes sector expertise, data and context so that reporting and policy debate accurately reflect the realities of delivering early childhood education and care in Australia.