Access to high‑quality early education and care (ECEC) is essential for every child’s development — yet for many families in rural and remote Australia, it remains out of reach. Royal Far West CEO Dr Briony Scott has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that it will consider establishing a national Early Education and Care Commission, calling it “a great first step in the right direction for the most important audience — Australia’s children.”
Dr Scott emphasised the importance of ensuring that children, families, and the ECEC workforce in rural and remote communities are represented in the development of any new national system. “A well‑designed Commission will have the potential to assist governments better map the supply and demand of ECEC across Australia, sustain a strong workforce, lift quality, and ensure the funding model delivers for children and parents, including those families in rural and remote communities,” she said.
Access remains a major challenge. Around nine million Australians — roughly 35 per cent of the population — live in childcare deserts, defined as areas with three or more children for every available childcare place. Regional and remote communities are often the hardest hit. A national Commission could play a leading role in ensuring services are located where families need them most, while also strengthening and growing the ECEC workforce in country areas.
More than one million Australians rely on early education and care, making a strong, safe, and sustainable system essential.
“Royal Far West will continue to advocate for children and families to ensure that every country child has access to the essential services they need to thrive, supporting their early development and enriching their lives,” Dr Scott added.