On 13 January 2009, the Premier announced that an Early Childhood Development portfolio would be created and incorporated into the Minister for Education's portfolio.
Department for Communities will continue to play a significant role in relation to children and families. Community Services Minister, the Hon Robyn McSweeny continues to have responsibility for:
- child care, including legislation, licensing, regulation and support; and
- child, family and parenting support services through Parenting WA, including the free 24-hour Parenting WA Line, the Parenting WA Library and local parenting support and home visiting programs.
Department for Communities also continue to have responsibility for the Aboriginal Best Start program and for supporting local Early Years networks and activities.
Department of Education and Training has established the Office of Early Childhood Development and Learning to increase the emphasis and importance of early childhood education to improve the learning and development of all children. David Ansell is the acting Executive Director for this office. More details about the scope and responsibility of the Office of Early Childhood Development and Learning will be available in the coming months.
Updated: March 2009