Senate debates

Monday, 25 August 2025

Committees

Education and Employment References Committee; Reference

3:36 pm

Photo of Steph Hodgins-MaySteph Hodgins-May (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Education and Employment References Committee for inquiry and report by 5 November 2025:

The quality and safety of Australia's early childhood education and care system, with particular reference to:

(a) the health and safety of children in childcare services across the country;

(b) the effectiveness of Australia's childcare regulatory system, including the performance and resourcing of state and territory regulators and the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority, in maintaining and improving quality;

(c) early learning providers' compliance with quality standards and legislative requirements, including compliance with workplace laws and regulations;

(d) the impact of childcare providers' employment practices on quality and safety;

(e) the role of worker compensation and pay on childcare quality and safety;

(f) the role of private for-profit incentives and their impact on childcare quality and safety;

(g) transparency within the early childhood education and care system, including access to information and data;

(h) the suitability of the Child Care Subsidy system in supporting the provision of high-quality early education and care; and

(i) any related matters.

Photo of Paul ScarrPaul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration) Share this | | Hansard source

by leave—at the request of my very dear friend Senator Duniam, I move an amendment to the motion as circulated in the chamber and moved by Senator Hodgins-May.

Photo of Sue LinesSue Lines (President) Share this | | Hansard source

The question is that the amendment as moved by Senator Scarr at the request of Senator Duniam be agreed to.

Question agreed to.

The question now is that the amended motion be agreed to.

Question agreed to.