The 2019 Audit highlighted the variable quality of Australia's early childhood education centres, which operate under different providers and governance regimes.30
Poor access is a particular area of concern. Getting to many centres by public transport can be challenging.31
In Rural Communities and Remote Areas, the distance between centres leads to reduced access, contributing to lower participation rates for regional and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.32
To overcome this challenge, state and territory governments should facilitate cross-sectoral partnerships where childcare operators collaborate with planning and transport departments.
These partnerships would address how well public transport services and active travel infrastructure (footpaths and cycleways) intersect with early childhood centres.
They would also consider improving access to shared amenities such as open green spaces and other facilities that centres use.