Economics LATEST STORIES

Economics

Provider

Workforce

Genius Childcare centres face closure as administrators seek buyer amid $88 million debt

More than 1,100 children and 200 educators face uncertainty as administrators work to find a buyer for Genius Childcare, which collapsed under $88 million in debt. With eight centres already closed and legal action underway, the situation has raised fresh concerns about governance and financial oversight in the early childhood education and care sector.

2025-05-08 10:53:17

by Isabella Southwell

Economics

Policy

Research

Workforce

ECEC workforce exceeds 268,000, but access and equity gaps remain

Australia’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce now exceeds 268,000, according to the 2024 National Workforce Census. While qualifications are improving and enrolments are rising, the sector continues to face staffing pressures, limited capacity and persistent equity gaps, particularly in rural and low income communities.

2025-05-08 10:45:11

by Isabella Southwell

Economics

Policy

Workforce

ECEC leaders welcome Labor’s re-election and early years reform agenda

Peak sector bodies have welcomed the re-election of the Albanese Government, calling it an opportunity to strengthen early years reform and move toward universal access. With a second term now confirmed, ECEC leaders are urging a focus on equity, delivery and workforce outcomes.

2025-05-08 06:05:33

by Isabella Southwell

Economics

Policy

Coorong council consults community to address early learning access gaps

Coorong District Council is seeking local input as part of a feasibility study into child care needs across the region. With ongoing early learning shortages and “child care desert” status identified in past reports, the council has engaged Community Early Learning Australia to assess local demand and recommend solutions. Residents can now share their feedback online or attend consultation sessions scheduled throughout May.

2025-05-06 13:08:23

by Isabella Southwell

Economics

Policy

Provider

G8 Education investigation cost regulators $2.8 million, resulting in one penalty

Regulators spent more than $2.8 million investigating G8 Education’s failed 2015 takeover of Affinity Education, a case that ended with one penalty and no convictions. The high-cost investigation has renewed calls for stronger corporate accountability and transparency in early education.

2025-05-06 11:14:25

by Isabella Southwell

Economics LATEST STORIES

Genius Childcare centres face closure as administrators seek buyer amid $88 million debt

ECEC workforce exceeds 268,000, but access and equity gaps remain

ECEC leaders welcome Labor’s re-election and early years reform agenda

Coorong council consults community to address early learning access gaps

G8 Education investigation cost regulators $2.8 million, resulting in one penalty

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G8 Education investigation cost regulators $2.8 million, resulting in one penalty

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