The Australian Government has released a discussion paper with further detail about the Early Years Strategy, and a call for public submissions on the direction of the strategy.
The strategy will guide early years policies and programs across the Commonwealth for the next decade to ensure children aged 5 and below have the best start in life.
The discussion paper:
- outlines the purpose, scope and key considerations for the strategy
- gives a snapshot of how children are faring across Australia
- describes the consultation approach
- provides question prompts for those wanting to make submissions
- explains how to make a submission.
Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, is leading the development of the strategy in partnership with Minister for Early Childhood Education, the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP.
The discussion paper is part of a broad stakeholder engagement process for the strategy. Also:
- an online survey will be conducted so all Australians, particularly parents and carers of young children and their families, can provide feedback on their priorities
- a National Early Years Summit will be held at Australian Parliament House on Friday 17 February 2023 with more than 100 invited participants
- community roundtables will be conducted across the nation
- other engagement and consultation will be held with children and families.
The Government wants to hear from parents, families, carers and caregivers, educators, early childhood professionals and other experts about a national approach that would benefit children and families.
Submissions to the strategy close on 30 April 2023.
To read the discussion paper and learn how to have your say, visit the Early Years Strategy consultation website.
Email earlyyearsengagement@dss.gov.au for enquiries about the strategy.
Read the media release from Ministers Rishworth and Aly on the release of the discussion paper.