Early Childhood Education and Care (Three Day Guarantee) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 5 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Early Childhood Education introduced legislation to replace the childcare subsidy activity test with a guarantee of 72 subsidised hours per fortnight for all families. The bill aims to create a universal early learning system by removing barriers to access, particularly for disadvantaged and First Nations families. It includes specific provisions to increase entitlements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to 100 hours per fortnight. The Minister highlighted previous wage increases for educators and fee caps as foundational steps toward this goal. The debate was adjourned without a final vote recorded in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Wednesday 12 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on replacing the childcare subsidy activity test with a guarantee of 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight for all families, and 100 hours for First Nations children. Government and independent members argued the change would improve equity, support workforce participation, and provide cost-of-living relief, while opposition members Henry Pike and Gavin Pearce contended it ignored supply constraints and unfairly penalised working families. The Greens supported the bill but criticised the government for delaying its passage in favour of other legislative priorities. The discussion highlighted significant concerns about 'childcare deserts' and the viability of services in rural communities.

   Outcome: The bill was referred to the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee.

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3. Thursday 13 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on replacing the childcare activity test with a guarantee of three days of subsidised early childhood education and care per week. Government members argued the reform improved equity and workforce participation, while opposition members contended it ignored supply shortages and disadvantaged working families. Independent members supported the bill as a step toward universal care but called for further supply-side reforms. The bill passed the House of Representatives following multiple divisions.

   Outcome: The bill passed the House of Representatives with votes of 78-59, 88-53, and 91-53 across three divisions, and passed divisions 5, 6, and 7.

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4. Thursday 13 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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5. Thursday 13 February 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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6. Thursday 13 February 2025 · Senate

   Third Reading
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