In depth exploration of ECEC workforce policy set to kick off 2026 Workforce and Wellbeing Forum

As the countdown begins to the inaugural ECEC Workforce and Wellbeing Forum, scheduled for Friday 5 June 2026 in Melbourne, the team at The Sector, along with its partners, are excited to be bringing together a selection of subject matter experts from across the ECEC community to unpack some of the key workforce and wellbeing issues impacting the sector right now. 

This is particularly relevant in the ECEC workforce policy space which has witnessed a series of material and wide ranging reforms in the last three years, some of which are still very much playing out, and all of which continue to have a direct or indirect impact on key stakeholders across the sector. 

Following a strong inaugural event last year, the Forum will once again open with a policy focused panel moderated by The Sector Founder and CEO, Jason Roberts examining the evolving policy landscape, implications of workforce reform, and the issues most relevant to providers, leaders and educators operating in this moment of real flux across the sector. 

“Our commitment to headline policy as our first panel at the event is no coincidence at all,” Mr Roberts said. 

“There has been a massive amount of change in the workforce policy space in recent years with Anthony Albanese’s “Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill” launched during his first term as Prime Minister as well as the Worker Retention Payment grant and the recent Gender Revaluation Award changes providing a substantial amount of discussion points.”

“With the future still rather uncertain this panel will help unpack many of the questions that are preoccupying decision makers at this moment in time and provide tangible insights that will help them navigate the coming months.” 

Expert panel to unpack key policy shifts in ECEC workforce landscape

To help unpack the policy landscape, Mr Roberts will be joined on stage by ACA president Paul Mondo, Dandolo Partners policy analyst, Stacey Fox, as well as a representative from the Victorian Department of Education to be confirmed.  

Mr Mondo brings almost two decades of experience in the ECEC advocacy and operating spheres to the event, and importantly, was intimately involved in the extended enterprise bargaining negotiations which ultimately laid the foundations for the Worker Retention Payment grants.

Ms Fox, whose pioneering work on the enablers of retention and drivers of attrition for the early childhood education and care workforce, places her in a strong position to draw on a wide range of research that has underpinned current ECEC workforce policy and is likely to contribute to future policy decisions too. “

It’s rare to find a panel with such deep and diverse expertise across the ECEC workforce and wellbeing policy. Paul and Stacey bring invaluable perspectives, and I’m genuinely excited to host what will be a standout session,” Mr Roberts said.

Forum to support sector engagement and insight

As part of The Sector’s Connect+ series, the ECEC Workforce and Wellbeing Forum is designed for service leaders, centre managers, approved providers and sector stakeholders seeking evidence-informed discussion and practical insight.

The program brings together moderated panels, along with a Q&A session, creating opportunities for meaningful discussion on policy, regulation, leadership, organisational culture and educator wellbeing.

“Our focus is to ensure the sector is informed, prepared and supported,” Mr Roberts said.

“This Forum has quickly become an important fixture for those shaping workforce strategy and service delivery.”

Event details

• ECEC Workforce and Wellbeing Forum 2026

• Friday 5 June 2026

• The Hotel Windsor, Melbourne

To find out more about The Sector’s Connect+ series, ECEC Workforce and Wellbeing Forum, click here. 

More details and to register, click here or contact Anna Boshell via email at anna@thesector.com.au for more information.

Register here

Gain the insight needed to navigate what’s next for the ECEC workforce