The Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) state bodies, including ACA Victoria, came together in Sydney on 18–19 February 2026 for two days of high-level discussions focused on the future of Australia’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector.
As a leading voice for Victoria’s approved providers, educators and service leaders, ACA Victoria proudly represented our members in critical national conversations that will shape policy, funding and regulatory reform across the country.
Key Priorities Discussed
Over the two-day meeting, elected leaders from every ACA state body examined pressing issues impacting early learning services nationwide, including:
Child safety reforms and strengthened protections
Worker retention payments and workforce sustainability
The gender-based undervaluation decision and its impact on wages
The upcoming Federal Budget and sector funding priorities
Development of the proposed National Educators Registry
Engagement with regulatory authorities
Future federal government reforms and policy direction
Workplace support strategies for ACA state members
Workforce qualifications, supply and pipeline challenges
Long-term sector sustainability
Improving outcomes for children across Australia
These conversations are critical as governments progress reforms that will directly affect funding, compliance, workforce conditions and long-term sector viability. ACA representatives also had a formal dinner with senior representatives from Federal Parliament, Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), the Department of Education, Guild Insurance, Guild Early Learning, Child Care Super, Kelly’s Korner Training Centre (KKTC) and parenting author/educator Maggie Dent.
These engagements provided valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships, exchange perspectives and reinforce the importance of collaboration across government, regulators, industry partners and sector leaders.
ACA Victoria remains committed to strong advocacy, practical policy outcomes and keeping members informed as national developments unfold.
Be Part of the Voice Representing Victoria
National advocacy is strengthened by a united membership base.
If you are not yet a member of ACA Victoria, now is the time to join a strong, collective voice advocating for a sustainable, high-quality early childhood education sector in Victoria. Give us a call at 03 9532 2017 or fill in this form to get started.
