This discussion paper seeks submissions on a review of child protection mandatory reporting requirements for the early childhood education and care sector. The Queensland Law Reform Commission has released a discussion paper (WP 73) seeking submissions on its review of child protection mandatory reporting requirements for the early childhood education and care sector (the ECEC...

This Quick Guide provides an overview of Australia’s formal child care system – that is, regulated child care away from the child’s home. The Guide outlines key features of the regulatory framework, approval requirements for a service and describes the funding role of the Australian Government. It includes statistics relevant to the types, usage and...

Child and family policies are developing and expanding in dynamic ways around the world, despite the fiscal austerity that enveloped many countries in the wake of the global financial crisis. However, Australia’s early childhood care polices are in desperate need of reform. The childcare debate needs to re-set, and this paper hopes to provide some...

This audit focused on early intervention services provided through the Child and Family Information, Referral and Support Teams and Integrated Family Services system. It examined whether families can readily access these services and whether services are leading to positive outcomes for vulnerable families. Summary In 2013–14, there were 82 075 reports to child protection in...

Presents information about the types of child care used by children in Australia, highlighting how arrangements change as children grow, and how they vary for families of different characteristics. Summary Child care and early childhood education hold a key place in the wellbeing of families and their local communities. They provide key opportunities for children's...