Early childhood education and care

What we’ve been asked to look at

This inquiry examines the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, including centre-based day care, preschools, family day care, outside school hours care and in home care. The Commission will consider cost and availability barriers that affect access to ECEC services, and ways to support better outcomes for children and families.

Call for submissions

The Commission issued a call for submissions on 14 March 2023.

Submission writers were encouraged to identify issues and suggest ways forward. The Commission appreciates evidence in support of any views, such as data, research reports and case studies.

Initial submissions were due by 19 May 2023.

Read the call for submissions

Draft report release

The Commission is seeking further information and feedback following the release of the draft report.

The draft report sets out the Commission’s draft findings and recommendations to address the barriers that affect access to early childhood education and care (ECEC) services and support better outcomes for children and families.

Final submissions are due by Wednesday 14 February 2024.

Read the draft report

Final report to Government and release

The final inquiry report is to be handed to the Australian Government by 30 June 2024.

The release of the final report by the Government is the final step in the process.

Under the Productivity Commission Act 1998, the Government is required to table the report in each House of the Parliament within 25 sitting days of receipt.