ACA Victoria appeared before the Victorian Legislative Council Select Committee Inquiry into the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector, marking a significant moment for the voice of Approved Providers in shaping the future of the industry.
ACA Victoria President Tonii Tran, ACA National President Paul Mondo, and ACA Victoria Vice President Brooke Eerden attended the public hearing, ensuring that the perspectives and concerns of Victorian Approved Providers were formally represented during this critical review of child safety, regulation, and workforce issues.
A Pivotal Moment for the Sector
The Inquiry brings together some of the most pressing questions facing early childhood education and care in Victoria, from regulatory frameworks and child safety standards to workforce sustainability and the practical realities of operating approved services. Scrutiny is high, expectations are high, and the outcomes of these deliberations will shape the operating environment for years to come.
ACA Victoria has lodged a formal submission to the Inquiry, which is publicly available through the Victorian Parliament’s website.
Who Appeared Before the Committee
Alongside ACA Victoria, the Committee heard evidence from a range of significant sector voices across the hearing days, including major providers Affinity Education, Goodstart Early Learning, and G8 Education, as well as peak bodies such as Children and Young People with Disability Australia and Early Childhood Australia. The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and other sector representatives also participated in subsequent hearings.
What Comes Next
The Committee is expected to deliver an interim report in early 2026, with a final report to Parliament due by 30 July 2026. The findings and recommendations from this Inquiry have the potential to influence policy and regulation across the sector in a meaningful and lasting way.
Your Association Is at the Table
ACA Victoria’s participation in these hearings reflects our ongoing commitment to active, informed advocacy. We are listening to the Committee’s lines of inquiry, we are speaking on behalf of service leaders and Approved Providers, and we are working to ensure that any recommendations reflect balanced, practical, and genuinely child-focused outcomes.
If you have questions or wish to share your experiences ahead of the final report, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the ACA Victoria team.
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.
