Pillars

Advocacy & Sector Leadership

Position ACA SA as the leading voice for the ECEC sector in South Australia.

1.1 Influence Government Policy & Reform

► Proactively engage with State Government and Opposition, advocating on service viability and sustainable funding, workforce shortages, NQF compliance and regulatory settings, and the impacts of policy reforms.

1.2 Be the Recognised Voice of the Sector

► Establish ACA SA as the “go-to” organisation for government, regulators (ESB) and media, providing informed, evidence-based commentary on sector issues.

1.3 Strengthen Stakeholder Collaboration

► Collaborate with government agencies, training organisations (universities, RTOs, TAFE, VET) and other peak bodies, and contribute to national advocacy through ACA.

1.4 Workforce & Sector Development

► Advocate for strong workforce pipelines and wage subsidies, and support solutions to staffing shortages.

1.5 Data, Research & Evidence-Based Advocacy

► Deliver annual member surveys and use the data to inform policy submissions, government engagement and media positioning.

Member Value & Engagement

Deliver strong value, support and connection to members.

2.1 Deliver High-Quality Member Support

► Provide timely updates on policy changes, compliance requirements, and funding and workforce developments, and ensure responsive, accessible member support.

2.2 Professional Networking, Knowledge Sharing & Support

► Provide training and professional learning opportunities and forums for collaboration, peer learning and networking, supporting providers, service directors and educators.

2.3 Address Key Member Challenges

► Support and advocate around competition and local demand, regulatory burden, rising wages and operational costs, and affordability pressures for families.

2.4 Strengthen Communication & Engagement

► Maintain clear, consistent communication channels, improve member participation in surveys and initiatives, and encourage each service to contribute to sector data.

2.5 Member Benefits & Partnerships

► Negotiate with suppliers and partners to provide value, strengthen sponsor relationships, and explore new member benefits.

Strong & Sustainable Association

Ensure ACA SA is well-governed, financially sustainable and future-focused.

3.1 Governance & Leadership

► Maintain strong governance structures, ensure succession planning for key roles, and provide opportunities for member involvement.

3.2 Financial Sustainability

► Maintain sustainable funding, grow the membership base, and strengthen sponsor engagement and partnerships.

3.3 Operational Effectiveness

► Ensure adequate resourcing to deliver strategy, improve internal systems and processes, and adopt technology to streamline operations and enhance member experience (e.g. a member portal provided by the National body).

3.4 Alignment with National Strategy

► Support ACA National priorities – service viability and funding reform, workforce sustainability, child safety and quality reforms, and inclusion and accessibility – and ensure SA priorities are represented nationally.

3.5 Adaptability & Future Readiness

► Remain flexible to policy changes, market shifts, technology advancements, and the changing needs of families and providers.