Childcare and early childhood learning
Public inquiry
This inquiry has concluded. The final report was sent to Government on 31 October 2014 and released on 20 February 2015.
Issues Paper 5 Dec 2013
The issues paper was released on 5 December 2013 and was intended to assist you in preparing a submission. It covered a range of issues on which the Commission sought information and feedback.
The Australian Government asked the Productivity Commission to undertake a public inquiry into future options for childcare and early childhood learning, with a focus on developing a system that supports workforce participation and addresses children's learning and development needs.
The Commission has been asked to specifically report and make recommendations on:
- the contribution of childcare to workforce participation and child development
- current and future need for childcare in Australia, particularly given changes in work patterns, early learning needs, childcare affordability and government assistance
- the capacity of the childcare system to ensure a satisfactory transition to schools, in particular for vulnerable or at risk children
- alternative models of care, including those overseas, which could be considered for trial in Australia
- options - within existing funding parameters - for improving the accessibility, flexibility and affordability of childcare for families with diverse circumstances
- the impacts of regulatory changes, including the implementation of the National Quality Framework, on the childcare sector over the past decade.
