We have published the Final Report of our review of factors that drive affordability, accessibility, consumer choice and supply of early childhood services in NSW.
Our review found there is scope to improve affordability, accessibility and choice for families in NSW, in particular for children with disability, additional needs or experiencing disadvantage or vulnerability.
We have made 41 recommendations to improve accessibility, affordability and choice, including recommending targeted supports for children and families experiencing disadvantage and/or vulnerability. The report also provides estimated benchmark prices that can be used as a standard to measure and compare early childhood education and care fees.
The Tribunal makes 3 priority recommendations that:
- The NSW Government should advocate to the Commonwealth Government for more urgent implementation of the National Workforce Strategy, take more of a leading role in implementing the National Workforce Strategy and refresh the 2018-2022 NSW Early Childhood Education Workforce Strategy.
- Australian state, territory and Commonwealth governments should work together to develop a coordinated, harmonised and simplified policy and funding approach to early childhood education and care.
- The NSW Government should develop a digital service and data strategy for the early childhood education and care sector, so families can more easily find, choose and use services that meet their needs, and providers and governments can make better informed decisions.