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 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.

Previous consultation and engagement

The government has consulted widely to develop the Strategy. This has included:

Phase One – Strategy Development (2023)

  • The National Early Years Summit held on 17 February 2023 at Australian Parliament House, bringing together over 100 delegates.
  • A pulse survey in early 2023, which received over 2,240 responses.
  • A discussion paper, which received over 350 public submissions.
  • 39 roundtables across Australia held in person and online, with over 750 participants.
  • Consultation with 115 children aged 3 to 5 years about what matters most to them.

The Early Years Strategy Consultation Report 2023 provides a summary of what we heard during the consultation process to inform the draft Early Years Strategy.

Phase Two – Draft Strategy

  • An online survey open from December 2023 to February 2024, which received over 400 responses.
  • Direct engagement with parents and carers.

Advisory Panel

An expert 14-member Early Years Strategy Advisory Panel was established to provide advice to Government to inform the development of the 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.

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    If you have any other queries, contact us at earlyyearsengagement@dss.gov.au.

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