The Federal Government has announced a transformative $1 billion investment to build or expand more than 160 early childhood education and care services across Australia. This represents the largest investment in new early learning centres in Australian history, targeting areas most affected by childcare deserts.
The Access for Every Child Coalition, comprising over 60 influential organisations including the National Farmers Federation, Regional Australia Institute and National Rural Women’s Coalition, has welcomed this landmark initiative. The Coalition has long advocated for equitable access to early learning for all Australian children, regardless of their postcode.
Why It Matters
A “childcare desert” is a region where three or more children vie for a single childcare place—an issue particularly acute in outer-suburban, regional, rural and remote areas. The scarcity of services not only limits children’s access to vital early education but also affects families’ ability to work, impacting entire communities.
Maddy Butler, Campaign Director of The Parenthood and Coalition Convenor, highlighted the potential impact: “This fund has potential to improve access for parents and children living in regional, rural and remote areas where early learning services are notoriously scarce.
“The current early education market has failed country towns; providers don’t have the financial incentive to set up or stay open there, and the early educator workforce crisis means existing services often can’t run at full capacity. The impact is devastating. Children miss out on early education opportunities and parents are often unable to work and earn as a result, which is vital for most families with the rising cost of living. Entire communities are then impacted, as essential workforces across health, education, agriculture and mining are stretched.”
Danyel Cucinotta, Vice-President of the Victorian Farmers Federation and a Coalition partner, echoed the sentiment: “Our families in rural Victoria deserve high-quality early education services. I’ve seen the difference it can make in supporting children and helping local communities thrive. This fund is a big step in the right direction.”
What’s Next?
This announcement builds on plans to replace the restrictive Activity Test with guaranteed subsidised childcare for all families, ensuring no child misses out. The Coalition urges collaboration across governments to ensure these new services reach the areas that need them most.
