Labor advances universal childcare plan with new laws to allow collection of data from private operators

Labor moves forward with universal childcare plan

The Australian government is introducing legislation that would grant authorities new powers to collect data from private childcare providers. According to Education Minister Jason Clare, the goal is to ensure that childcare information is “representative” across all providers, improving the government’s ability to deliver “evidence-based reforms.”

Expanding access to comprehensive data

Currently, the government collects partial information from the sector, primarily from public and non-profit providers. The new laws aim to close this gap by requiring private operators to share operational and enrollment data. Officials say this measure will provide a clearer picture of challenges such as staffing shortages, wait times, and costs faced by families.

Clare emphasized that a stronger evidence base will guide reforms to make early childhood education more equitable and better aligned with the needs of working parents.

“Without complete and representative data, it’s impossible to identify where the system needs the most help,” Clare said.

Supporting universal childcare reforms

The initiative supports Labor’s broader ambition to create a universal childcare system, ensuring affordable and high-quality care for all Australian families. By using consistent data from both public and private sectors, the government intends to design targeted funding policies and workforce programs.

Education officials noted that privacy and data protection regulations will apply, ensuring that collected information is used only for policy development and service improvement.

Author’s summary: The Australian government plans to collect data from private childcare centers to guide fair, evidence-based reforms supporting the move toward universal childcare.

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The Guardian The Guardian — 2025-11-24

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