Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh

Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh

  • Minister for Early Childhood Education
  • Minister for Youth

Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh was sworn in as Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth on 13 May 2025. Content published on this site relates to the Minister’s responsibilities within the Education portfolio.

Filter Dr Jess Walsh's releases

Delivering a new early learning and family centre in Derby

The Albanese and Cook Labor Governments and the Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children (IDAC) are partnering to deliver a new Early Learning and Family Centre in Derby, Western Australia.

Release type: Joint Media Release

Date: 24 February 2026

Ministers:

  • Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh
  • The Hon Sabine Winton MLA

Press conference - Early Learning Centre, Derby

SUBJECTS: Construction of new Early Learning and Family Centre in Derby, Working with Children Checks, temporary housing for teachers.

Release type: Transcript

Date: 23 February 2026

Ministers:

  • Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh
  • The Hon Sabine Winton MLA

Interview - ABC Melbourne Mornings

SUBJECTS: Building Early Education Fund; Opening of Early Learning Victoria centres; Safety in early education and care.

Release type: Transcript

Date: 19 February 2026

Ministers:

  • Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh

Press conference - Kings Park, Victoria

SUBJECTS: Opening of Early Learning Victoria centres; Best Start, Best Life reforms; Building Early Education Fund; Victorian school funding; Threats to politicians; Pauline Hanson’s remarks; Lakemba…

Release type: Transcript

Date: 19 February 2026

Ministers:

  • The Hon Jason Clare MP
  • Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh
  • The Hon Lizzie Blandthorn MP

Expanding access to early education in Victoria

The Albanese and Victorian Governments have reached a historic agreement for $170.1 million in joint funding to deliver more not-for-profit early learning services in Victoria’s outer suburbs and…

Release type: Joint Media Release

Date: 19 February 2026

Ministers:

  • The Hon Jason Clare MP
  • Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh
  • The Hon Lizzie Blandthorn MP

Community-run centre to open in Kowanyama

A community-run early childhood education and care service has opened in Kowanyama, creating more opportunities for children in the Far North Queensland community.

Release type: Joint Media Release

Date: 18 February 2026

Ministers:

  • Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh
  • Matt Smith MP

Transcript - Whitlam, ACT

SUBJECTS: New early learning centre at Whitlam School; Building Early Education Fund; Child safety in early learning; Productivity Commission Report on Government Services; Molonglo Valley…

Release type: Transcript

Date: 11 February 2026

Ministers:

  • Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh

Expanding access to early education in Whitlam

The Albanese and ACT Governments have reached a historic agreement delivering $10 million through the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund to deliver more not-for-profit early learning at the…

Release type: Joint Media Release

Date: 11 February 2026

Ministers:

  • The Hon Jason Clare MP
  • Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh
  • Ms Yvette Berry MLA

Expanding access to early education in Tasmania

The Albanese and Rockliff Governments have reached a historic agreement for $25.5 million through the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund and $5 million from the Tasmanian Government to…

Release type: Joint Media Release

Date: 30 January 2026

Ministers:

  • The Hon Jason Clare MP
  • Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh
  • The Hon Jo Palmer MLC

2026 Young Australian of the Year Nedd Brockmann

Congratulations to Nedd Brockmann from New South Wales for being named the national 2026 Young Australian of the Year.

Release type: Media Release

Date: 26 January 2026

Ministers:

  • Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh

More support to services under Community Child Care Fund

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers can now apply for funding to help services stay open in communities experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. 

Release type: Media Release

Date: 21 January 2026

Ministers:

  • Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh

Expanding access to early education in regional South Australia

The Albanese and Malinauskas Governments have reached an historic agreement under the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund to deliver more not for profit early learning in South Australia.

Release type: Joint Media Release

Date: 15 January 2026

Ministers:

  • Peter Malinauskas MP
  • Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh
  • The Hon Blair Boyer MP
  • Senator Karen Grogan