Addressing contemporary social policy issues is challenging, however progress continues to be made to ensure that critical reforms are implemented to support the most vulnerable in our society.
Delivering universal early childhood education and care (ECEC) is a priority for the government. PM&C will continue to provide policy advice and support to the government as it determines the future pathway for a universal early education system. We will support the government to deliver key reform measures, including ensuring affordable and simple childcare through the 3-day guarantee, strengthening accessibility through the Building Early Education Fund, and supporting the ECEC workforce through the ECEC Worker Retention Payment.
Transformation of the higher education and vocational education and training (VET) sectors is ongoing. The department will continue supporting the delivery of reforms under the Australian Universities Accord, as well as supporting the delivery of measures to reduce the debt burden for Australians with a student loan. PM&C will also support the government to respond to the recommendations from the Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System.
Over the year ahead, the department will continue to support the government to work with states and territories to deliver a broad range of reforms, including strengthening Australia’s mental health and suicide prevention system, energy security, net zero transformation and renegotiating the Preschool Reform Agreement.
The department will continue its work to consolidate and deliver decisions of the National Cabinet, including health and disability reforms, and secure affordable housing for Australians. The department will also build on efforts underway to end gender-based violence, maintaining a focus on missing and murdered First Nations women and children, and actions under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.
Health and disability reforms remain government priorities, with a continued focus on securing the future of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), designing and implementing foundational supports, strengthening our health system and finalising the next National Health Reform Agreement addendum.
The department will continue to support the government in implementing significant reforms to strengthen Medicare, including budget measures to expand eligibility of the bulk billing incentive, and introduction of the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program on 1 November 2025, as well as the reduction of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme general co-payment and introduction of 1800MEDICARE on 1 January 2026.
PM&C will continue supporting the implementation of the Aged Care Act 2024 and Support at Home program, which delivers on the Australian Government’s promise to strengthen Australia’s aged care system and ensure it is sustainable. In 2025–26, the department will also work with other government agencies to identify opportunities for productivity growth, drive alignment in policy settings, and address workforce shortages in the care and support economy.
PM&C, alongside other government agencies, will continue to work in genuine partnership with First Nations organisations to develop policy and reform options to support a First Nations economic empowerment agenda. This work will contribute to achieving the government’s commitment to the priority reforms and socio-economic targets under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.