Governments have spent about a year announcing new policies to make early education safer for Australian children.

In the wake of reports of shocking abuse and neglect in daycare centres, there have been moves to improve training and screening of educators, as well as more centre inspections.

All of these measures have been implemented in response to a crisis. Amid significant community concern about childcare safety, early childhood experts and peak bodies have also been calling for a commission to drive long-term strategic reform.

Ahead of the 2026 federal budget, Education Minister Jason Clare announced plans for a new national commission for early education and care. He told reporters, the idea is

to build on the safety reforms that we’ve already implemented, and help to make sure that the system works better than it does today.

to build on the safety reforms that we’ve already implemented, and help to make sure that the system works better than it does today.

If designed well, there is potential to go beyond addressing the immediate crisis. A national........

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