A major development and change in law has removed barriers to Early Childhood Education, the Early Childhood Education and Care (Three Day Guarantee) Bill 2025.
Image: A family of four are standing outside their home smiling at the camera. There is a man, woman, girl and boy.
Recently, Federal Parliament passed a ground-breaking piece of legislation, marking a significant step forward for access to early childhood education and care (ECEC). The Early Childhood Education and Care (Three Day Guarantee) Bill 2025 gets rid of the long-standing barrier created by the childcare subsidy ‘Activity Test’, which has, for years, restricted many families from accessing vital subsidised care for their children.
The passage of this bill comes as a result of years of persistent advocacy by the sector, particularly from SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, the peak body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
“This is absolutely brilliant news with SNAICC driving so much advocacy on this Bill,” said Claire Robbs, Chief Executive of Life Without Barriers.
As a major provider of out-of-home care for children and young people in Australia, Life Without Barriers' applauds these changes and the support it will offer families who really need it.
Image: A First Nations teacher reads to her students inside a class room. She is holding a card in language.
What is The Early Childhood Education and Care Bill 2025?
Basically, this new law ensures First Nations children will now have access to 100 hours of subsidised early education and care every fortnight, allowing them to engage in culturally safe, high-quality programs.
For years, the Activity Test—a requirement that parents meet a certain level of work, study, or training in order to access the childcare subsidy—was a significant barrier for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. It limited many families' ability to access essential early learning opportunities, which experts say is critical for a child’s developmental success and readiness for school.
Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC, said will have a positive impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the country.
“The legislation will impact the lives of thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families,” Liddle said.
“The community-controlled ECEC sector, our families, and our communities have been calling for this change for years. This is a major victory.”
The Impact of the Activity Test on Aboriginal Families
The removal of the Activity Test is seen as a crucial breakthrough for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who have been struggling to access childcare. Under the previous system, families often found it difficult to meet the stringent eligibility requirements, which meant they either had to forgo childcare services altogether or pay full fees—an unaffordable option for many.
According to new updates from Closing the Gap, the developmental readiness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are worsening.
Image: A women with short blonde hair holds a laptop in one arm and her young daughter in the other.
The passage of this bill is expected to have long-term benefits for children in these communities, including higher rates of school readiness and better educational attainment. It also offers the potential for reducing other disparities, including high rates of youth crime. Recent studies have indicated that early intervention in ECEC settings with vulnerable children and their families may help reduce youth crime.
Life Without Barriers is committed to working with children and young people, families, carers, governments, and education providers so that all children and young people can experience inclusive education and fully participate in learning, alongside similar-aged peers.
