Early Childhood Education and Care (Strengthening Regulation of Early Education) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 23 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Education moved the second reading of the bill, which aims to strengthen safety and quality standards in early childhood education and care services. The legislation grants the federal government power to suspend or cancel childcare subsidy funding for providers that fail to meet national safety and quality requirements. It also expands transparency measures by allowing the publication of compliance actions and enhances inspection powers for authorised officers. The Minister emphasised that the goal is to raise standards rather than close centres, while noting further bipartisan work on national educator registers and working-with-children checks.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

   Read the full summary

2. Tuesday 29 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on legislation granting the Commonwealth powers to suspend funding for childcare providers failing safety standards, conduct unannounced inspections, and publish compliance details. The Shadow Assistant Minister supported the bill as a necessary step but urged faster national coordination and clearer definitions of non-compliance. The Minister for Education commended the bill, emphasising it was part of a broader strategy including national registers and training, while highlighting the dedication of the majority of the workforce. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time and passed by the House of Representatives.

   Read the full summary

3. Tuesday 29 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
   See who spoke

4. Wednesday 30 July 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
   See who spoke

5. Wednesday 30 July 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated legislation to strengthen Commonwealth oversight of early childhood education and care services, primarily by linking Child Care Subsidy funding to safety and quality compliance. The government introduced the bill to allow the suspension or cancellation of subsidies for non-compliant providers and to expand transparency measures. The Opposition supported the bill but urged the government to coordinate with states on broader reforms, including national working-with-children checks and a worker register. The Greens supported the bill but moved an amendment calling for an independent commission and universal care, arguing the current system is profit-driven and under-resourced. The debate concluded with the Greens' amendment pending, as the session was interrupted before a vote.

   Outcome: The debate was interrupted before the Greens' amendment was put to a vote.

   Read the full summary

6. Thursday 31 July 2025 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate considered the bill in committee, with Senator Hodgins-May raising concerns about the impact on Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, the backlog in National Quality Standard assessments, and transparency regarding enforcement actions. Minister Walsh defended the legislation as a critical tool for child safety, explaining that the secretary would have discretion to withdraw subsidies or block new services based on safety criteria. The minister highlighted recent workforce investments and confirmed that publication of enforcement actions would be the default position. The committee reported progress and was ordered to sit again at a later hour.

   Outcome: The committee reported progress and was ordered to sit again at a later hour.

   Read the full summary

7. Thursday 31 July 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading
   See who spoke

8. Thursday 31 July 2025 · Senate

   Third Reading
   See who spoke