NSW Liberals/Nationals promise to restore NSW Start Strong funding in March 2027 if elected

Following the NSW Government's decision to end NSW Start Strong program funding in 2027, the NSW Liberals and NSW Nationals have today announced that they will restore this funding for long daycare services as well as NSW Start Strong funding for community/independent preschools if elected at the upcoming state election. 

With the NSW state election on Saturday, 13 March 2027 (ie 122 days or less than 18 weeks or less than 4 months away), ACA NSW President Lyn Connolly attended the NSW Liberals/Nationals' media announcement today (11 November 2026). ACA NSW was invited by the NSW Shadow Minister for Early Education (Felicity Wilson MP), the NSW Liberal Leader (Kellie Sloane MP) and the NSW Nationals Leader (Gurmesh Singh MP).

It remains ACA NSW's hope through continued engagement with the NSW Government that they will either reverse their decision or provide equivalent funding to replace the NSW Start Strong program funding and the reduction of funding for NSW's community preschools.

Otherwise, ACA NSW predicts NSW long daycare services will have to plan to transition out of the (Federal Government's) Worker Retention Payments which will see fees for parents increase by 25% or more (as a consequence of the financial shortfall caused firstly by the NSW Government). And too many community/independent preschools will also have to reduce their services for children or even close entirely due to financial unsustainability.

The NSW Government's decision was first mooted less than six months ago without any prior consultation or discussion. And ACA NSW's direct questions and concerns were either not responded or answered to any reasonable satisfaction.

In addition to the first Critical Reflections: "How Did We Get Here?" video, ACA NSW advocacies will be rolling out before the next NSW state election and the Federal Election (due by May 2028).

For any further information/clarification, members can contact the ACA NSW team via 1300 556 330 or nsw@childcarealliance.org.au.

PUBLISHED: 11 NOVEMBER 2026

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