Jan 05, 2026
3 Day Guarantee commencing 5 Jan 2026
From January 5 2026, all children will have an entitlement to access three days of ECEC. This new Federal Government initiative abolishes the activity test which restricted access of children to early learning depending on the work activity of their parents. The new guarantee – recommended by the Productivity Commission (PC) in its 2024 inquiry – recognises that access to early learning significantly benefits children’s development and their readiness for school and should be an entitlement for every child.
The PC Inquiry found the activity test particularly impacted on children from low income and disadvantaged backgrounds who the evidence showed benefitted most from access to early learning. Around 100,000 most low income families are expected to benefit from the guarantee, with families earning between $50,000 to $100,000 who will be better off under the three-day guarantee are expected to save on average $1460 per year.
The Treasurer Jim Chalmers joined the staff at Goodstart Shailer Park to celebrate this important milestone. See Jim Chalmers Media release
The PC Inquiry found the activity test particularly impacted on children from low income and disadvantaged backgrounds who the evidence showed benefitted most from access to early learning. Around 100,000 most low income families are expected to benefit from the guarantee, with families earning between $50,000 to $100,000 who will be better off under the three-day guarantee are expected to save on average $1460 per year.
The Treasurer Jim Chalmers joined the staff at Goodstart Shailer Park to celebrate this important milestone. See Jim Chalmers Media release
