This briefing paper highlights the value of integrated Child and Family Hubs (Hubs) as a proven lifeline for Australian families facing complex challenges such as trauma, social isolation and housing instability. With a number of significant initiatives taking place at the federal level – like the $1b Building Early Education Fund (BEEF), the 3-Day Guarantee and more – there is an unprecedented opportunity to build a more equitable, child-centred early years system; one that helps lift families and communities out of disadvantage. 

This paper uses the term Hubs to refer to a model of Child and Family Hub that has early learning as the front door. This term includes Hubs co-located with early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres, school sites and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Integrated Early Years Services (ACCOs) where early learning is a key entry point for families. Hubs bring together services like child and family health nurses, parenting programs, playgroups and toy libraries, allied health and family supports in one accessible location.

The recommendations consolidate years of research and data collection, collaboration and connection with service providers, families and communities. 

Key recommendations

• Leverage capital investments: use the BEEF to construct purpose-built, integrated Hubs that co-locate services, rather than building standalone.
• ECEC centres: fund integration, not just services.
• Provide stable, long-term funding for the relational ‘glue’ – the coordination, workforce capability and shared systems that make integration work on the ground.  
• Reform funding for equity: implement needs-based ECEC funding informed by the Early Education Service Delivery Price project, alongside dedicated, co-contributed funding models for ACCO-led and intensive ECEC services.