The Australian Government has asked the Productivity Commission to undertake an inquiry into the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, including centre-based day care, preschools, family day care, in-home care and outside school hours care.

The Commission has been asked to make recommendations that will support affordable, accessible, equitable and high-quality ECEC that reduces barriers to workforce participation and supports children’s learning and development.

To inform its recommendations, the Commission is calling for submissions from people and organisations that have an interest in ECEC, including parents and carers, service providers, educators, researchers and any other interested parties. Submissions can address sector-wide issues or focus on specific aspects of the terms of reference, such as ECEC services in a particular location.

Submission writers are encouraged to identify issues and provide suggestions for ways forward. The Commission would appreciate evidence in support of any views, such as data, research reports and case studies.

Submissions are requested by 19 May 2023.

People and organisations can also submit a brief comment through the Commission’s webpage at any time.