An inquiry into the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector in NSW was established on 20 March 2025 following revelations of regulatory failures. Chaired by Greens MP, Abigail Boyd, the inquiry “will investigate the health, safety and wellbeing of children and the quality of education and care”.[1]
Members on the Parliamentary Committee
The inquiry will be led by members of the NSW legislative Council sitting on Portfolio Committee No. 3 – Education (the Committee) comprising of:
- Chair: Abigail Boyd (The Greens)
- Deputy Chair: Rachel Merton (Liberal Party)
- Members: Mark Buttigieg (Australian Labor Party)
Anthony D’Adam (Australian Labor Party)
Tania Mihailuk (Independent)
Sarah Mitchell (The Nationals)
Emily Suvaal (Australian Labor Party)
Terms of reference
The terms of reference are that the Committee inquire into and report on ECEC, including:
(a) the safety, health and wellbeing of children in ECEC services
(b) the quality of ECEC services and the educational and developmental outcomes for children attending ECEC services
(c) the safety, pay and conditions of workers within the ECEC sector
(d) the effectiveness of the regulatory framework for the ECEC sector as applied in New South Wales
(e) the effectiveness of the NSW ECEC Regulatory Authority
(f) the collection, evaluation and publication of reliable data in relation to ECEC services and the level of public knowledge and access to information made available about each ECEC service
(g) the availability and affordability of quality training institutions for early childhood education qualifications
(h) the composition of the ECEC sector and the impact of government funding on the type and quality of services
(i) the experiences of children with disability, and their parents and carers, in ECEC services, and
(j) any other related matters.
The Committee is due to report by 31 March 2026.
Submissions and evidence
Submissions are currently open until the end of May to interested individuals and organisations. The deadline for lodging a submission is 30 May 2025, with public hearings scheduled for August, September and October.
The inquiry will have broad investigative powers, including to compel senior executives from childcare companies, parents, experts and peak bodies to provide evidence.
Next steps
If you have any questions regarding the inquiry or would like assistance with making a submission, please get in touch with the team at Piper Alderman.
[1] New South Wales Legislative Council, ‘Parliamentary Committee to Examine the Early Childhood Education and Case Sector in New South Wales’ (Media Release, 28 March 2025) 1.
