BSL welcomes the development of a national Early Education and Care Commission

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement that it will explore establishing a much-needed national Early Education and Care Commission.

BSL, along with many others in the sector, has long been calling for greater national coordination and leadership across Australia’s early childhood development system. A Commission will help to address structural challenges that have arisen due to unclear responsibilities and fragmentation in the early childhood sector.

BSL’s Executive Director, Travers McLeod, said a Commission is a key step forward in creating a more equitable early childhood system which helps every child and family to thrive. “We know access to high quality, safe early learning and inclusion within early childhood services is vital in creating pathways out of poverty. But currently, too many families miss out and there is a lack of coordination of funding and services across the country.”

“A Commission is an opportunity to bring together better responses, enable different parts of the system to work more productively together, and ensure that Australia’s early childhood system better supports those who stand to benefit the most.” 

BSL has been working alongside families and children in their communities for over ninety years. We believe every child has the right to the best start in life. 

BSL looks forward to continuing to work with all levels of government as they consider this reform.