The Federal Coalition has announced a new Senate inquiry, which will look into the state of childcare and early education across regional Australia.
The Senate inquiry will examine gaps in childcare and early learning services, workforce shortages, the effectiveness of the Child Care Subsidy and whether Commonwealth programs are meeting the needs of families living outside Australia’s major cities.
The announcement comes 24 hours after Edge Early Learning entered into voluntary administration, leaving families involved with the Mount Barker and Strathalbyn centres in uncertain territory.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin welcomed the inquiry, citing years of limited resources within the electorate.
“Many towns across Barker have experienced severe unmet demand for childcare over many years and can be identified as ‘childcare deserts’. Demand for childcare continues to exceed available capacity across many regional and remote communities” Pasin said.
“If we want sustainable regional communities where families choose to live and raise their children, we need to provide the services and opportunities that help them thrive. Access to quality childcare and flexible care options is a vital part of that.”
Submissions are able to be lodged with the Secretariat of the Senate Education and Employment Committees, which
is due to report by 29 June 2027.
