Australian education data shows inequality begins early and deepens over time. According to this report, a potential solution is the establishment of full-service schools in areas where they are needed most. A full-service school model means taking a wraparound approach to providing the health and wellbeing supports disadvantaged students may need.

Children’s early years lay the foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing outcomes. This paper discusses a potential model of enhanced early childhood education and care (ECEC Plus) designed to support Australian children and families who face early childhood disadvantage and discusses options for funding models to support its delivery. It provides four recommendations.

The report outlines the urgent reforms and targeted investments needed to ensure children in Australian public schools can thrive. It provides a roadmap for how governments can deliver on the goals of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement (2025–2034). Key issues identified include rising student needs, teacher shortages and equity gaps.

This report finds current support for children with special educational needs no longer works for the children, their families and the professionals inside and outside education settings. The paper considers the current challenges, the systemic causes and drivers of system failure and sets out a framework of recommendations to guide government reform.

This policy brief analyses the state of teacher shortages in Australia based on data drawn from the 2024 OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey, based on lower secondary teachers. The analysis shows that Australia’s education system is facing a significant staffing crisis, leaving Australia among the worst-performing nations in the OECD.