Evidence shows that two years of preschool has more impact than one, especially for the children most likely to be developmentally vulnerable. It is time for Australia to pursue a national commitment to ensuring all 3 year olds have access to high-quality early education by offering a second year of preschool.

If Australia is to remain globally competitive into the future, it is vital that we invest in programs that promote opportunity, boost our human capital and close the disadvantage gap.

Currently, nearly a quarter of Australian children arrive at school without the skills they need to learn. And we are not doing all we can to ensure all children have the best possible opportunity to develop the early cognitive and social emotional skills that set them up for life. 

Australia has laid the groundwork for delivering two years of high-quality, universal preschool programs. Currently, two thirds of 3 year olds are already attending early education and care and we have achieved near-universal enrolment in preschool for 4 year olds. But the children missing out are the ones who would benefit most from access to a preschool program, and not all children are receiving the amount of high quality early education needed to maximise their potential.

There is a clear opportunity here. Moving to two years’ access to a universal preschool program can be an affordable, achievable and effective way for us to achieve greater and more equitable outcomes for Australian children.