Tensions and challenges in Australia’s early years field: views from the inside
Natasha Cortis and Brian Head
Social Policy Research Centre (UNSW) and the Institute for Social Science Research (University of Queensland)
Contact Email:   n.cortisunsw.edu.au

Traditionally private responsibilities for mothers and families, early childhood health, development and care have emerged as legitimate objects of public policy in contemporary welfare states. But despite renewed public interest and commitment, the early years field in Australia remains complex and contested. With the sector considered poorly co-ordinated and under-resourced compared with many other wealthy countries, the next stage of attempted reform may risk exacerbating a series of system-level tensions and challenges.

In this paper, we use interview findings to take stock of early years policy in Australia, identify some current challenges, and outline some principles for change. We show that while developments in the field have been spurred by advances in research evidence, sustained advocacy and the renewal of government commitment, progress remains compromised by unresolved tensions around the goals and vision of the system, fragmented system design, unsustainable resourcing, and an unstable service delivery workforce.

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