On the first day of the resumed Parliament, the Australian Greens have successfully established a Senate Inquiry into the quality and safety of early childhood education and care (ECEC).
The inquiry follows last week's meeting of education ministers, which delivered a series of piecemeal measures such as CCTV and a national register. While welcome, the Greens warn these steps alone won't address the deep, systemic issues in childcare that have seen families lose trust in the system.
The inquiry will examine the effectiveness of the regulatory framework, the pressures facing the workforce, and whether the current funding model supports quality and safety. It will also provide a platform for families, educators and advocates to share their experiences, and deliver recommendations for both immediate improvements and long-term reforms towards universal early learning.
The inquiry will report back in early 2026.
As stated by Greens spokesperson for early education and care, Senator Steph Hodgins-May:
"Families have lost confidence in the childcare system, and tinkering around the edges with CCTV and registers won't bring that trust back.
"This Senate Inquiry will shine a light on a broken system by exposing the conditions that allow abuse, and laying down a clear path to reform through fixing the funding model, lifting the workforce, and strengthening regulation.
"There's nothing more important than a safe, high-quality future for our kids. That means lifting standards now - not slapping a band-aid on after harm has already occurred.
"Importantly, this Inquiry will give families, educators and advocates a national platform to share their stories and demand change.
"This inquiry can help pave the way towards the universal early learning legacy the Prime Minister has promised, but so far delayed.
"We welcome cross-parliament backing to put the safety of our kids above party politics."
