Victorian Early Childhood Education and Care Election Forum
Description
With the Victorian state election approaching, the Victorian Early Childhood Education and Care Election Forum 2026 offers an important opportunity to hear directly from political representatives about their priorities, policies and commitments for the future of early childhood education and care in Victoria.
Brought to you by the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) Victoria, Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) and Early Childhood Australia (ECA), the forum will bring together representatives from key political parties for a panel discussion on the issues shaping our sector.
Hear from Brad Rowswell MP, Shadow Minister for Education (Liberal Party), and Anasina Gray-Barberio, Member for Northern Metropolitan Region and Greens spokesperson for Early Childhood Education and Kindergarten, as they share their parties' perspectives and priorities ahead of the election.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, hear directly from political representatives and gain a clearer understanding of the commitments that could shape the sector's future.
Join us for this important pre-election conversation and be informed about what's ahead for early childhood education and care in Victoria.
Planning on attending? Doors open from 5.30 pm for light refreshments and networking before the forum begins at 6.00 pm.
Lineup
Brad Rowswell MP
Shadow Minister for Education Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Shadow Minister for Government Services Member for Sandringham Brad Rowswell was born at Sandringham Hospital and attended Stella Maris Primary School, Beaumaris before completing his secondary education at St Bede’s College, Mentone. In 2005, he began a combined Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degree at Deakin University. In the same year he was appointed the inaugural Youth Minister at St Bede’s College, where he led retreats and reflection days, delivered specialist religious education classes, and supported student leadership development. In 2012, Brad was appointed Government Relations and Policy Advisor for Catholic Education Melbourne, later serving as Company Secretary for the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria. During this period, the Gonski reforms were agreed to, securing more equitable federal funding for Catholic school students in Victoria. Brad was first elected to the Victorian Parliament in 2018 as the Member for Sandringham. During his time in Parliament, he has held a range of senior roles, including Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Minister for the Environment. He currently serves as Shadow Minister for Education, Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, and Shadow Minister for Government Services. As the father of two primary-aged children, Brad is deeply passionate about education and the opportunity it offers to create a better community.
Anasina Gray-Barberio MLC
Greens spokesperson for Early Childhood Education and Kindergarten Anasina Gray-Barberio MP is the first Pasefika woman elected to the Victorian Parliament, representing the Greens in the Northern Metropolitan Region in the Legislative Council. She is the Victorian Greens spokesperson for Early Childhood Education and Kinder. Anasina believes every child deserves access to high-quality, affordable and inclusive early childhood education, regardless of their family’s income, background or circumstances. She recognises the vital role early learning plays in children’s development, wellbeing and lifelong opportunities, while supporting families and strengthening communities. Anasina advocates for accessible early learning, a well-supported and fairly paid early childhood workforce, and greater investment in public early childhood education and care. She is committed to addressing barriers to access and ensuring all children, including those from culturally diverse communities and children with disability, have the opportunity to thrive.
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