Commentators argue that childcare safety reforms have not addressed the core problems in early childhood education. Government figures show more compliance actions and a rise in services meeting national quality standards. However, staff waivers remain in use, educators are poorly paid, and about 70 per cent of services are now for-profit. Minister Jess Walsh says the reforms are on track and that 120 services have been put on notice. The writers call for a complete overhaul of the system.
Labor backbencher Charlotte Walker says the government will keep working on childcare reform, despite pressure on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to deliver universal childcare. Albanese promised the policy as part of his legacy. The three day guarantee, introduced in January, gives more than 90,000 extra families access to three days of subsidised childcare a week. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said a universal system will take time. The Coalition, led by Angus Taylor, is developing its own childcare policy focused on greater choice, and is considering payments for grandparents who provide care.
A Lakelands husband-and-wife team has won a regional award at the 2026 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards. Kelvin and Jess Ware, of Ware Bears Family Day Care, were honoured for the Mandurah and Peel region. It was their second year in a row being nominated. The couple offer early learning, before and after-school care, and vacation care. Some families travel up to 30 minutes to use the service. The service is part of the Y WA Family Day Care program.
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The new Moorland Public Preschool has opened its doors, giving local children greater access to early childhood education. Port Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer said the facility would help families and support children moving into formal schooling. Dwyer said a preschool connected to a local school can make the move to kindergarten more positive. He said he looked forward to the facility's benefits for Moorland families for years to come.
Applications have opened for Parish Pathways, a new scholarship program from St Agnes' Catholic Parish that helps local students pursue nursing and early childhood education careers. Eligible students can receive up to $12,000 over their degree to help cover tuition fees and other study costs. The program is open to students starting, or planning to start, a Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years) at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie in 2027.
