Education & Care reform needed as election commitment

3. mandatory National Quality Standard assessments and ratings at least every three years

4. the creation of a national industrial instrument for the education and care sector to provide educators with fairer levels of pay

5. a National Children's Education & Care Workforce Strategy

6. properly funded infrastructure and sector support.

This plan ensures children are better prepared to start school, ready to learn from day one and less likely to fall behind. It's a plan that ensures children will develop the crucial underpinning cognitive, social and emotional skills that provide lifelong benefits.

The benefits of this plan extend to parents and carers as their ability to take on paid work will be dramatically improved, especially for women. This boosts the economy by lifting workforce participation, productivity and tax revenue. The massive pressure on families trying to balance carer responsibilities with increasing costs of living will also be alleviated.

For the benefits to children and family to be realised, the education and care sector must be seen as an attractive career path with fair compensation. Better skills, wages and conditions will transform the sector from a 'job' into a rewarding career.

The education and care sector demands urgent attention from all parties and candidates to ensure Australia's children get a great start in life. Their future, as well as their families and prospects of future generations depend on it.