Former prime minister Julia Gillard has been appointed to lead South Australia’s Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education.
The Royal Commission will investigate reforms to ensure families can access quality early childhood education and care, and provide children a better start in life.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said Gillard’s appointment “is a significant step towards delivering the biggest reform to early childhood education our state has ever seen.”
“We have an ambitious goal. And we want to get it right. Julia Gillard has the depth of knowledge and the experience to lead the charge on this mammoth task,” he said.
Director of Thrive by Five, Jay Weatherill, said Gillard’s appointment is a positive step.
“Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s appointment as the head of South Australia’s Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education is a very welcome move,” he said.
“During her time in government, both as Education Minister and Prime Minister, Ms Gillard oversaw major reforms and was instrumental in delivering policy outcomes that fundamentally reformed our nation’s early education system for the better. She is also a committed champion of educational equity and access.”
Thrive by Five is an initiative of the Minderoo Foundation, which was established over twenty years ago by Andrew and Nicola Forrest. The philanthropic organisation manages projects across several industries, including marine science, poverty, cancer research and child care.
“We know the early years are a vital time for children’s brain development and have a lasting effect on a child’s lifelong learning and well-being,” Weatherill continued.
“The size of a child’s brain reaches 90 per cent of an adult’s by the age of five. Early learning can be a great equaliser for children, helping them start formal learning on an equal par with other children.”
The organisation hopes to see universally accessible, high-quality early learning system implemented across Australia.
“We look forward to seeing the outcomes of the South Australian Royal Commission in getting us closer to the goal,” he said.