BSL and partners celebrate major wins for early childhood education and working parents

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) welcomes the passing of the Early Childhood Education and Care (Three Day Guarantee) Bill 2025 in Federal Parliament.

This landmark legislation ensures a minimum of three days per week of early childhood education and care for all children and removes the restrictive Activity Test—a policy that has long denied access to children from some of Australia’s most disadvantaged households.

BSL has been a strong advocate for these reforms, working alongside parents, families, and partner organisations to push for a more equitable early childhood system. This change represents a significant step toward universal early education, aligning with our vision of an Australia free of poverty.

Our Executive Director, Travers McLeod, celebrated this achievement, stating, “What a parent does or earns should never hinder the access their child has to quality education and care in their early years. This legislation will enable every child to thrive in early childhood, which is central to advancing an Australia free of poverty and growing our national prosperity.”

This reform builds on the Government’s broader commitments announced in December 2024, which included addressing “childcare deserts” in low-income and regional areas through a $1 billion Building Early Education Fund. The focus on expanding high-quality not-for-profit providers and co-locating services on school sites is a critical step in ensuring all children have access to the care and education they deserve.

BSL will continue to advocate for a high-quality and inclusive early childhood development system. We look forward to further commitments that strengthen early learning opportunities for all Australian children, supporting both their future and the broader community’s well-being.