Friday 8 May 2026
A national Early Education and Care Commission would put Australia on a faster path to universal early learning, lifting women’s workforce participation and unlocking one of the country’s most significant productivity levers.
Chief Executive Women (CEW) welcomes the Federal Government's announcement that it will work with states and territories to consider establishing a national Early Education and Care Commission [1].
CEW CEO Lisa Annese said a Commission was the critical next step towards building a truly universal early childhood education and care system, which remains one of the most powerful levers available to help lift Australia’s sluggish productivity growth and ensure women’s economic security.
"Australia's current approach to early learning is fragmented across funding, regulation and service delivery. A Commission would bring the system together, close the gaps between jurisdictions, and ensure every part of the country is held to the same high standard," Ms Annese said.
"A Commission is also crucial to providing strong oversight of safety and quality.
“As we expand access, we need a dedicated body whose role it is to uphold standards, drive continuous improvement and maintain public trust in a system that millions of Australian families rely on.
"The provision of a truly universal early childhood education and care system is one of the biggest pieces of economic and social reform this country will undertake.
“It is crucial to ensure that this reform is done right. A Commission can steward the system and make sure investment translates into outcomes for children, families and the economy."
"Children thrive when they have stable, trusting relationships with skilled, well-supported educators. A Commission would help ensure those conditions are in place consistently across the country, regardless of a child's postcode."
A national Commission was a key recommendation of the Productivity Commission's 2024 inquiry into early childhood education and care [2].
"Building a universal system is essential to enabling more women to stay engaged with work and to return to work after having children.
“When early learning is high quality, accessible and affordable, we unlock significant productivity gains and move closer to closing the gender pay gap," Ms Annese said.
CEW's Pre-Budget Submission 2026-27 called on the Government to invest in the care economy as a driver of women's economic security and workforce participation, including through sustained investment in early childhood education and care [3].
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[1] Next steps to strengthen safety in child care – Minister for Education, Minister for Early Childhood Education
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About Chief Executive Women
Since 1985, Chief Executive Women (CEW) has influenced and engaged all levels of Australian business and government to remove the barriers to women's progression and ensure equal opportunity for prosperity. CEW's 1,400 members represent Australia's most senior and distinguished leaders across the country's largest private and public organisations, collectively overseeing over 1.3 million employees and $749 billion in revenue.