Funding Model Options for ACCO Integrated Early Years Services Final Report
Recommendations
Based on the research, options analysis and aligned to the preferred model outlined in the Funding Model Options for ACCO Integrated Early Years Services Final Report, SNAICC provides the following recommendations.
Recommendation 1
The Australian Government should commit to leading the design and implementation of a national, systemic and sustainable approach to funding ACCO-led integrated early years services, partnering with states and territories and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with a focus on ensuring equitable access and coverage across the country.
Recommendation 2
The new funding model for ACCO-led integrated early years services should incorporate block- and needs-based funding for all components of service delivery as outlined in Funding Model Option 3.
Recommendation 3
The new funding model for ACCO integrated early years services should provide long-term certainty for sustainable service provision alongside flexibility to adjust funding regularly to account for changes in community needs and costs of inflation over time.
Recommendation 4
The new funding model for ACCO integrated early years services should incorporate dedicated allocations for the base funding entitlement (core services, and glue) and flexible funding (community designated services), and be scaled in alignment with population size, remoteness and vulnerability.
Recommendation 5
The new funding model for ACCO integrated early years services should explicitly and systematically provision for backbone support.
Recommendation 6
The new funding model for ACCO integrated early years services pairs a new approach to recurrent funding with a framework for ongoing infrastructure planning and investment to expand ACCO integrated early years services in response to service coverage gaps.
Recommendation 7
The new funding model for ACCO integrated early years services is funded and delivered through a co-contribution model between Federal, State and
Territory governments with clear roles, responsibilities and long-term funding security established through a national policy framework embedded within a national partnership agreement.