This report finds that quality early childhood education makes a significant contribution to achieving educational excellence in schools. There is growing evidence that participation in quality early childhood education improves school readiness and lifts NAPLAN results and PISA scores.

This four-volume report is the culmination of an 18-month inquiry into the causes and circumstances of the fires that devastated parts of Victoria in January and February 2009, killing 173 people.

This Interim Report makes 51 recommendations and is the culmination of six months' work, including four weeks of community consultations; examination of more than 1,260 submissions and eight weeks of public hearings involving a total of 87 witnesses.