Kelly’s focus is on the role of social policy for transforming and improving the quality of life of Australians.

In her role at Goodstart Early Learning, she advocates systems, policy and funding change to improve access and affordability to quality early childhood education and care. Kelly has almost 15 years’ experience in the Queensland Government, primarily in legislative reforms and strategic funding negotiations. She has worked right across the social services spectrum, including homelessness, mental health, child safety and early childhood, with a particular focus on improving the experience of children and young people at risk of abuse or neglect.

“My vision is for an inclusive early childhood education sector that supports access to quality learning and genuine participation for all children, regardless of their background, location or family situation. For genuinely inclusive participation to occur, we need to recognise that often some children need more support than others, or support delivered in a different way. Furthermore, to ensure this can happen, our educators, teachers and service providers need access to the appropriate support and resources that will allow them to welcome any child, at any time.”