The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) today released the second interim report from its inquiry into early childhood education and care (ECEC) prices.
The second interim report includes draft findings and recommendations that focus on the:
- costs of providing child care services
- nature of competition in child care markets
- profitability and viability of the sector
- effectiveness of Australia’s existing price regulation mechanisms in aiding affordability of childcare.
The ACCC is inviting written submissions on the draft findings and recommendations via the ACCC website until 29 October 2023.
In October 2022, Treasurer, the Hon Dr Jim Chalmers, directed the ACCC to hold an inquiry into ECEC prices. The ACCC will provide its final report to the government by 31 December 2023.