The Centre’s summary of the Report on Government Services 2025 is now available for download. The report covers:
- Child Protection
- Youth Justice
- Services for people with disability
- Housing and homelessness
- Health
- Early childhood education and care
The Centre’s Federal Pre-Budget Submission 2025 highlights the critical need for sustained and targeted investment in the services and systems that support the most vulnerable members of our community, prioritising their safety, development and long-term wellbeing.
The current fiscal and political environment presents challenges and opportunities. Rising cost-of-living pressures, persistent social inequities, and the long-term impacts associated with natural disasters and our changing climate continue to affect families across the nation, with disproportionate impacts on those already facing disadvantage. At the same time, we recognise the Australian Government’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and social policy reform, which provides a platform to prioritise initiatives that support children and young people.
Evidence consistently demonstrates that prevention and early intervention approaches not only deliver better outcomes for individuals but also reduce the long-term economic burden on society. Strategic investment in these areas fosters stronger families, healthier communities, and a more equitable future for all Australians.
On February 5th 2025 the Australian Government introduced legislation to give children access to 3 days a week of subsided early childhood education and care.
Should legislation pass, from next year families can get at least 72 subsidised hours of care each fortnight for each child. This is regardless of how much work, training, study or volunteering they do. Families caring for First Nations children will get 100 hours of subsidised care each fortnight for each child.
More information for families and child care providers will be developed and distributed in the coming months.