In January, after a year-long inquiry, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released its Childcare Inquiry Final Report into childcare markets.
It found the availability and quality of staff delivering early childhood services has a big impact on the quality, reputation and profitability (through influencing occupancy) of a service, with a stable tenure and continuity of staff also contributing to service viability.
It also found that rural, regional and low socio-economic status areas are underserved.
The ACCC has recommended consideration by government of market stewardship to influence where services are located.
The IEU supports the findings that continuity and quality of staff have a direct impact on the reputation, viability and quality of a service.
It is hoped these findings support the bargaining application before the Fair Work Commission for multi-employer enterprise agreements for the early education and care sector.