Rural Voices "Powerful and Unforgettable” at Productivity Commission Hearing

The Productivity Commission has been tasked with an inquiry into the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector in Australia. The Government recognise that ECEC is an essential part of Australia’s education system and is integral to Australia’s economic prosperity as a powerful lever for increasing workforce participation. The government is committed to identifying solutions that will chart the course for universal affordable ECEC like that of Medicare and Superannuation.

The Productivity Commission have spent 12 months drafting a report and have held hearings across Australia seeking feedback, with the Wimmera Southern Mallee and our partners in the Mallee and Loddon Campaspe regions securing the opportunity to draw attention to the specific challenge of small rural communities.

By Five along with our allies and partners came together from across the Wimmera, Loddon Campaspe and Mallee region to passionately articulate the challenges our small rural communities face when it comes to equitable ECEC to the Productivity Commission inquiry. It was a particular privilege to facilitate the opportunity for some incredibly well-spoken and passionate parents to have their voices heard in this forum. In what the commissioners referred to as a “powerful and unforgettable” hearing, together we were able to share meaningful experiences and reflections, but also solutions on how to create sustainable rural ECEC change.

We thank everyone who continues to support this journey.