The Early Childhood Care and Development Policy Partnership met online on 24 and 25 June 2026 to progress shared priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
The 14th meeting brought together First Nations leaders, peak body and government representatives to advance reforms in early childhood care and development.
The meeting was co-chaired by:
- Catherine Liddle, CEO, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children
- Kylie Crane, Deputy Secretary, Early Childhood, Australian Government Department of Education.
At the meeting, members:
- discussed implementation planning for the National Child and Family Investment Strategy to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) are adequately funded
- received an update from the Department of Social Services on the work underway to transition more funding to ACCOs
- noted progress on developing a shared national approach for defining ACCO integrated early years services
- received updates on key commissioned projects supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families
- heard an update from the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People
- provided feedback on the Evidence Guidance Framework, and the key considerations for the new Preschool Funding Agreement
- participated in workshops on the Thriving Kids reforms, and the evaluation of the Partnership to improve ways of working.
The Policy Partnership will meet again in September 2026.
Learn more about the Policy Partnership and read the meeting 14 summary.