Royal Far West Welcomes Early Education and Care Commission

Dr Briony Scott, CEO of Royal Far West, today welcomed the announcement by the Federal Government that it will consider the development of a national Early Education and Care Commission.

“This is a great first step in the right direction for the most important audience – Australia's children. It is vital that children and families, and the early education and care (ECEC) workforce from rural and remote communities be represented in any development of the ECEC system.”

"A well-designed Commission will have the potential to help governments better map the supply and demand of ECEC across Australia, sustain a strong workforce, lift quality, and ensure the funding model delivers for children and parents, including those families in rural and remote communities,” said Dr Briony Scott.  

“Nine million Australians – around 35 per cent of the population – live in childcare deserts, defined as areas with three or more children per available childcare place, while regional areas often suffer from the worst levels of access. The Commission could take the leading role in helping to ensure ECEC services are located where families need them and ensuing a multifaceted approach to strengthen and grow the ECEC workforce in rural and remote communities,” continued Dr Briony Scott.  

More than one million Australians rely on ECEC, which requires a strong and safe system to support it.

“Royal Far West will continue to advocate for children and families to ensure that every country child has access to the essential services they need to thrive, supporting their early development and enriching their lives,” added Dr Briony Scott.  

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About Royal Far West:

Royal Far West is a specialist child development service providing vital supports to improve the health and wellbeing of children in rural and remote areas.

In FY25, Royal Far West supported more than 30,000 children, parents and carers, educators, and health professionals across four states, in more than 500 schools and preschools, and in 387 rural and remote communities.  

Royal Far West offers multidisciplinary developmental, mental health and disability support services for country children up to the age of 12, to help them reach their full potential.  

For more information about Royal Far West and our impact visit www.royalfarwest.org.au

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