2. We started a conversation July 2011 We started a conversation about growth, and Australians responded across a range of topics. We asked what you wanted for the future, what plans you had and what your hopes were. One of the topics that was important to a lot of those who joined the conversation: Family

3. And why family? July 2011 When some Australians thought of growth they thought of their private life and what they would like to nurture and develop. The big topics were…

4. The big topics July 2011 Again and again we saw the issue of time spent with family discussed. Whether through a need for a better work life balance or through other commitments, Australians clearly want to find more time in the day for the ones they want to be with. Time

5. What would you like to grow? July 2011 I’d like to grow my relationships with my family and loved ones, who often don’t get the attention they deserve because I’m often too busy with work. By: Sao-Mai // Date: 20/09/2010 The amount of time I spend with my family. By: Anonymous // Date: 04/10/2010 I want to grow the amount of family time I have By: Anonymous // Date: 06/10/2010

6. What would you like to grow? July 2011 Quality of time with family. By: Anonymous // Date: 04/10/2010 The time I have to spend with my partner and family. By: Anonymous // Date: 04/10/2010 Work, life balance with work and family. By: Vicki // Date: 07/10/2010

7. What would you like to grow? July 2011 And some took a lighter look at what quality time meant: The amount of time my niece sleeps when she comes to visit… 3.12am is not playtime! By: Sarah // Date: 19/10/2010

8. The big topics July 2011 There was the desire to start a family or to grow the family you already had. Australians continually mentioned wanting to have their first child, or more children. Key to this was a desire to get into a position where they feel they can expand their family. Another conversation was around children.

9. What would you like to grow? July 2011 The size of my family By: Anonymous // Date: 04/10/2010 I’m really excited to be growing my family, I have a little one on the way By: Rochelle // Date: 04/02/2011 Family, a lot more kids By: Valerie // Date: 07/10/2010

10. What would you like to grow? July 2011 I would like to grow my family through having another child By: Sam // Date: 07/10/2010 Bigger family By: Rodney // Date: 07/10/2010 I would like the opportunity to grow my fortune and secure a future which would allow me to provide the best education and opportunities for my children and provide for my family. By: Percy // Date: 06/10/2010

11. What is it about children? July 2011

12. What is it about children? July 2011 Both the factors of time and children, were strong themes in a recent PwC publication “ A practical vision for early childhood education and care ”. The purpose of this publication was to help shape Australia’s national discussion of early childhood education and care (ECEC). It was created by PwC in collaboration with some of the world’s leading experts in early childhood.

13. A practical vision for early childhood education and care July 2011

14. A practical vision for early childhood education and care July 2011 What did we learn?

15. A practical vision for early childhood education and care July 2011 We looked at a number of factors of ECEC to understand the current state. This included:

16. A practical vision for early childhood education and care July 2011 And did some analysis around ownership, cost and staff experience:

17. A practical vision for early childhood education and care July 2011 We proposed four key principles that should underpin the future development of ECEC service delivery in Australia: 1. The interests of the child are paramount 2. Parents have the primary role in their child’s development 3. ECEC services should be universally accessible 4. All ECEC services should be of high quality to support good developmental outcomes

18. A practical vision for early childhood education and care Recommendations July 2011 Building on these principles, and reflecting on current challenges and opportunities within the sector, we propose a series of high level policy settings that should form the basis of future ECEC service delivery.

23. What is it about children? A practical vision for Early Childhood Care and Education July 2011 You can read more about the report and download a copy for yourself here: http://bit.ly/PwC_ECEC

24. With family and children came the topic of stability July 2011 The last key aspect people mentioned in relation to wanting to grow a family was to secure a comfortable future. Safety and stability, both financially and in day to day life were continually cited as the thing Australians want to grow most.

25. What would you like to grow? July 2011 I would like to grow investments, so that my family will not have financial issues once I get older and retire. By: Anonymous // Date: 09/09/2010 I think we’d all like that! Getting older and planning your finances is a daunting thought. By: Bevan // Date: 18/09/2010 I’d like to grow my savings, to someday know the future generations of my family are more stable. By: Drew // Date: 20/09/2010 I would like to grow my fortune and secure a future which would allow me to provide the best education and opportunities for my children and provide for my family. By: Percey // Date: 06/10/2010

26. So, what have we learnt? July 2011 Family was, naturally, a hugely popular and passionate topic for what Australians wanted to grow. People wanted to make it more of a focus in their life, and to make sure that the ones they love are well cared for now and for the future.