Advocacy has always been at the heart of early childhood education, but in 2025 it has never been
more urgent. Across Australia, the sector is facing challenges that require more than surface-level
solutions. As educators, leaders, and advocates, we need to step forward with courage, clarity, and
confidence to influence the changes our children and colleagues deserve.
The Headlines That Demand Our Voice
Recent months have highlighted just how much is at stake in ECEC:
Policy changes like mobile phone bans in childcare centres have made headlines, but many educators see them as distractions from the real issues—such as workload, wages, and staff wellbeing (Daily Telegraph, 2025).
Safety reforms are being introduced across the country, from tighter reporting timelines to mandatory staff training, signalling that children’s protection is a national priority (News.com.au, 2025).
Funding threats loom for long-standing services that have failed to meet the National Quality Standards, raising important questions about how we hold services accountable while still supporting communities (Herald Sun, 2025).
Reviews in states like Victoria are calling for a complete “reset” of the sector, pushing for more robust inspections, better workforce checks, and a rethink of how services are delivered (The Guardian, 2025a).
Funding models are under discussion at the federal level, with talk of flat-fee or partially free childcare—ideas that could transform access if they’re designed with quality and workforce sustainability in mind (The Australian, 2025).
And let’s not forget: 75% of services remain for-profit, staffing shortages are widespread, and only 14% of centres are meeting care standards consistently (The Guardian, 2025b).
These stories show us that while governments are acting, there is still a disconnect between policy quick-fixes and the deeper reforms our sector truly needs.
What Advocacy Really Means
To me, advocacy is more than writing submissions or attending rallies. It’s what happens every day
when educators stand up for what’s best for children, families, and the profession. It’s about
naming the gaps, offering solutions, and refusing to accept that “good enough” is all our children
should get.
At STEPPING STONES, I work with educators who feel this tension daily: passionate professionals
giving their all, while knowing the system often undervalues their contribution. Advocacy is how we
turn that frustration into action.
Five Pathways for Stronger Advocacy
1. Beyond Surface-Level Policy
Call for genuine investment in educators—wages, ratios, and working conditions—rather than
symbolic rules that don’t touch the heart of the problem.
2. Structural Reform
Push for national oversight and stronger governance so that children’s safety and learning are
consistently protected.
3. Access and Affordability
Support models that make early learning affordable for families, while ensuring that “cheaper”
does not mean “lower quality.”
4. Respect for the Workforce
Advocate for pay parity, qualifications, and career pathways that honour educators as
professionals.
5. Community Voices at the Centre
Ensure that reforms are informed by those who live and breathe ECEC every day: educators,
families, children and communities.
A Personal Call
Advocacy is not about being political; it is about being professional. It’s about ensuring that every
child has the right to a safe, nurturing, and inspiring early learning environment, and that every
educator has the right to work with dignity and respect.
I know it can feel daunting to speak up. But advocacy doesn’t always mean standing on a stage—it
can be as simple as asking thoughtful questions in a staff meeting, writing to your local MP, or
sharing your professional insights with families.
When we advocate, we create ripples that reach far beyond our own services. Together, those
ripples become waves of change.
Final Reflection
I believe deeply that this is our moment. As a sector, we are resilient, creative, and passionate. We
know what children need. We know what educators need. And we are ready to speak with a united
voice to shape a future where early childhood education is recognised as the powerful foundation it
truly is.
Reflective Prompts for Educators and Leaders
Personal Reflection:
What does advocacy mean to me in my role?
When was the last time I spoke up for a child, a colleague, or the profession?
Team Discussion:
What advocacy issues are most pressing for our service right now?
How can we use our Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) to highlight and act on advocacy
priorities?
Action-Oriented Reflection:
Who can we partner with (families, community groups, local councils) to strengthen our
advocacy?
What is one practical advocacy action we could take as a team this month (e.g., writing a
letter, hosting a community conversation, raising an issue with our provider)?
Future-Focused Reflection:
How do we ensure children’s voices are included in our advocacy?
What would a strong culture of advocacy look like in our service five years from now?
I have made a FREE resource to help you in your reflective journey.
Please leave a comment below and have your voice heard. Let's all come together, no matter where you are, for early childhood education and the children.
By Janine Kelly, Founder of STEPPING STONES Professional Development For ECEs
References
Daily Telegraph. (2025, September 2). Goodbye Apple Watch: Childcare educators fume over mobile phone ban overreach. https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/education/schools-hub/early-education/goodbye-apple-watch-childcare-educators-fume-over-mobile-phone-ban-overreach/news-story/9a0119849bdb2cad52d48ed9a1cfc0a6
Herald Sun. (2025, August 28). Full list: The 37 Australian childcare centres on notice for falling below national standards. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/education/schools-hub/early-education/full-list-the-37-australian-childcare-centres-on-notice-for-falling-below-national-standards/news-story/e77b73f42a0ab16c85e1356dd62ca7b9
News.com.au. (2025, September 1). Phone ban, 24-hour reporting part of sweeping early childcare reforms to take effect Monday. https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/kids/phone-ban-24hour-reporting-part-of-sweeping-early-childcare-reforms-to-take-effect-monday/news-story/455acc0367ee0d3be746bcc977a76792
The Australian. (2025, August 10). Push for flat-fee childcare ahead of Labor’s economic roundtable. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/push-for-flatfee-childcare-ahead-of-labors-economic-roundtable/news-story/3319b4f3d1920d91024730b104a34426
The Guardian. (2025a, August 20). Childcare needs a “fundamental reset” to improve safety. These are Victoria’s key recommendations. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/20/victoria-childcare-safety-review-recommendations-unveiled-ntwnfb
The Guardian. (2025b, July 12). Australia’s current childcare funding model risks failing our most precious people. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/12/australia-childcare-subsidy-ccs-funding-model-profit-children-ntwnfb