Education Ministers met on 15 July 2026 to discuss major reforms across the education sector.
Ministers considered initial advice on establishing a national early education and care commission. The aim of this is to strengthen safety and quality in Australia's early childhood education and care (ECEC) system.
Ministers agreed to explore further development of the proposal. If the commission is established, Ministers agreed it should involve the reform of the existing Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority. Further advice will be provided at the next meeting, following targeted stakeholder engagement and consultation with a time-limited expert panel.
Ministers also reviewed progress on national actions to strengthen quality and safety in ECEC. This work has been supported by around $0.5 billion in combined Australian Government and state and territory investment. Ministers agreed to continue work on supporting the rollout of the National Early Childhood Worker Register and National Child Safety Training.
Following national sector-wide consultation, Ministers agreed to progress a second tranche of quality and safety reforms. This will include measures relating to supervision, transparency, and fencing safety. Legislative amendments to support these reforms will be progressed as a priority, with introduction planned as soon as possible in 2027.
For more information, read the Education Ministers Meeting communiqué.