Who are we
Since 2014, Smart Start has been fighting for affordable, high-quality early learning in Australia, with over 26,000 dedicated advocates. Together, we can influence policy and keep creating meaningful change.
Our successes so far
2014
The Smart Start campaign was launched by Goodstart Early Learning to influence the then Federal Government’s planned overhaul of child care subsidies and challenges to the National Quality Framework. A Smart Start petition signed by over 15,000 parents and educators is tabled in the Senate calling for affordable quality early learning.
2017
The Federal Parliament passes the Jobs for Families child care subsidy package improving affordability for most families.
2021
The Federal Parliament commits to a further $1.5 billion of additional subsidies for families with multiple children, and $1.5 billion to make funding for preschool programs ongoing. The New South Wales and Victorian Governments commit to universal preschool for all children aged 3-5 in the two years before school.
2023
The Federal Government’s $4.5 billion Cheaper Child Care package dramatically reduces the cost of child care and early learning, while a Productivity Commission inquiry is launched to build a pathway to a universal early learning system.