Early Years Strategy

The Australian Government is developing an Early Years Strategy (the Strategy) to shape its vision for the future of Australia’s children and their families.

Recognising how critical the early years are for children’s development and continued success over their lifetime, the Strategy will aim to deliver the best possible outcomes for Australian children.

The Strategy will help the Commonwealth create a more integrated, holistic approach to the early years and better support the education, wellbeing and development of Australia’s children. It will seek to support improved coordination between Commonwealth programs, funding and frameworks impacting early childhood development.

The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Social Services, and the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth are leading the development of the Strategy in collaboration with other responsible Ministers.

Advisory Panel

An expert 14-member Advisory Panel has been established to provide advice to Government to inform the development of Strategy. Members of the Advisory Panel work collaboratively to share their insights and expertise on how to best support children and families in the early years. Its membership includes:

  • Professor Sharon Goldfeld
  • Anne Hollonds
  • Catherine Liddle
  • Georgie Dent
  • Professor Fiona Stanley
  • Penny Dakin
  • Sylvana Mahmic
  • Jay Weatherill
  • Matthew Cox
  • Professor Helen Milroy
  • Samantha Page
  • Jamie Crosby
  • Emma Watkins
  • Amanda Walsh

National Early Years Summit

The Government hosted a National Early Years Summit (the Summit) at Australian Parliament House on 17 February 2023. The Summit brought together parents, community organisations and representatives from across government, non-government, academic and business sectors to discuss the development of the Commonwealth Early Years Strategy.

The Summit covered key topics including the vision and priorities for the Early Years Strategy, as well as how we make sure the voices of children and families are at the centre of the Strategy.

View a summary of the Summit including the agenda.

Consultation and Engagement

There will be many opportunities for all Australians to contribute to, and ensure the needs of children and families are at the centre of, the development of the Strategy. We want to hear from a diverse range of voices in the community through a public submission process, survey and roundtables.

The Discussion Paper is now open for public submissions until 30 April 2023. You can also share your priorities and experiences through a survey until 31 March 2023. To have your say, visit engage.dss.gov.au/early-years-strategy/.

If you have any questions about the development of the Strategy, or would like to stay informed about its progress and associated consultation opportunities, contact us at earlyyearsengagement@dss.gov.au.

Subscribe for Updates on the Early Years Strategy

People who are interested in the Strategy can subscribe to receive updates. By subscribing to receive updates about the Strategy, you will receive an email to your nominated email address when new information is available. You can subscribe here.

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