Exploring an early education and care commission

Australian, state and territory governments are exploring the development of a national early education and care commission.

On this page:

Overview

On 15 July 2026, Education Ministers agreed to explore the development of a potential early education and care commission to strengthen the early childhood education and care (ECEC) system.  

All Australian governments are working collaboratively to consider the potential benefits, design and scope of a commission.

Why is a commission being considered?

Independent reviews and inquiries have identified a case for stronger national stewardship of the ECEC system, including consideration of a commission. These include the:

ECEC plays an important role in:

  • supporting children’s development
  • helping families participate in work
  • strengthening the economy.

A national commission could build on recent reforms and help strengthen the ECEC system.

What could a commission do?

A national commission could:

  • help guide the path to universal ECEC
  • help ensure ECEC services are located where families need them
  • provide analysis and insights to support workforce development
  • build on and complement existing national arrangements, including the work of the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

Any role would be designed to improve outcomes for children, families and services, including supporting safety and quality across the sector.

How would it work with existing arrangements?

A commission would complement – not replace – existing roles and responsibilities.

State and territory regulators, supported by ACECQA, would continue to administer the National Quality Framework, including:

  • compliance and enforcement activities
  • assessment and rating
  • responding to safety concerns.

Education Ministers agree that, if established, a commission should involve reform of the existing ACECQA.

How does this relate to current safety and quality reforms?

Governments are already working together on reforms to improve safety, quality and standards across the sector.

Exploring a national commission builds on this work as a potential next step to strengthen the system over the longer term.

Who is involved?

The Australian Government is working in partnership with state and territory governments.  

Key advisers include:

  • ACECQA  
  • state and territory regulatory authorities.

Expert panel

Building on the extensive engagement undertaken on a possible commission in recent national and jurisdiction specific ECEC inquiries, an expert panel will help inform advice to Education Ministers on a potential commission.

The panel brings together expertise from across the ECEC sector, including:

  • providers
  • workforce representatives
  • researchers
  • peak bodies  
  • policy leaders.

Panel members will contribute to targeted discussions on issues aligned with their expertise, to ensure advice is informed by a diverse range of perspectives and practical experience.

What happens next?

Education Ministers will consider further advice on a potential commission at their next meeting in October 2026.