22 MayEarly Learning Association Australia Welcomes Victorian Government’s ongoing commitment to the ECEC sector
Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) welcomes the 2025/26 Victorian state budget and its continued investment in the Early Learning Education and Care (ECEC) sector.
Recognising the vital role that early learning plays in the lives of children and in shaping their future, the Victorian Government has committed $2 billion in the 2025/26 state budget and its forward estimates to continue the delivery of a range of reforms and initiatives.
This investment, amongst other things, will support Free Kinder, expand access to additional hours of kindergarten over the coming years, and fund the operation of government owned and operated early learning services.
The budget will also address early childhood infrastructure, with funding going towards Building Blocks Improvement and Inclusion grants. These changes will aid renovations and upgrades to create spaces that are safer, more engaging, and inclusive for children of all abilities.
Importantly, the investment will help improve access for children and communities who can most benefit from quality early learning, ensuring more children have the opportunity to engage in services and programs.
ELAA is committed to supporting our members navigate sector changes with confidence to continue to ensure equity and excellence in ECEC.
ELAA’s membership base reflects the dynamic diversity of the ECEC sector. Our members encompass stand-alone kindergartens, Early Years Managers, long day care centres, local government services, independent and government schools, as well as before and after school care providers.
Our knowledge and experience of our sector’s diversity leaves us well positioned to support the sector in the realisation of these reforms.
ELAA’s CEO Dr. Karina Davis said, “We congratulate the Victorian Government’s ongoing investment in our sector, and we are committed to working with our members and the government in navigating the delivery of these significant reforms.”
