The latest Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data highlights a concerning trend: the number of children assessed as developmentally vulnerable in two or more domains has reached its highest level since the census began, rising to 12.5% in 2024, rising from 11.4% in 2021. This underscores the growing complexity of developmental challenges faced by children, particularly in regional and remote areas.
The latest AEDC figures show that almost 60% of country kids living in remote and very remote areas of Australia are not developmentally on track to start school ready to learn. Over 20% of children in remote or very remote locations are developmentally vulnerable on two or more domains.
CEO of Royal Far West, Jacqui Emery said: “The 2024 data makes it clear that developmental complexity is increasing, particularly for children in regional and remote communities. Without access to early intervention and wraparound support, many will struggle to keep pace with their peers, affecting their long-term opportunities in life. This is an issue we must address now.”
AEDC data strongly predicts later health, wellbeing, and academic success. The new figures show 20.3%, one in five kids, living in areas with the highest rate of socio-economic disadvantage are developmentally vulnerable on two or more domains – up around 3% since 2019 – the vast majority of these locations are in rural/remote areas.
Some of the 2024 AEDC key findings include:
- 27.2% – more than a quarter of children – have special needs or require further assessment, 78,467 kids nationally
- a significant increase in Developmental Vulnerability in the emotional maturity domain, from 9.8% in 2021 to 11.5% in 2024 for children living in inner/outer regional locations, reflecting the increase in reported behavioural concerns.
- First Nations children developmentally on track has stabilised in 2024 and developmental vulnerability rates have not increased at the same level as the national trend which is good news, however a gap remains and there is more work to do
- country children living in very remote or remote locations remain up to twice as likely to start school developmentally vulnerable compared to city kids
Ms Emery said the story is in individual locations with some areas like Bourke in Western NSW showing improvement, but overall country areas remain the most in need of extra support with all locations in NSW recording over 20% DV2 located in rural NSW.
Every three years, AEDC measures children’s development across five key domains:
- Physical health and wellbeing
- Social competence
- Emotional maturity
- Language and cognitive skills (school-based)
- Communication skills and general knowledge
These indicators strongly predict later health, wellbeing, and academic success. “The further a child lives from a metropolitan center, the greater their risk of developmental delays. Childcare deserts and health and education workforce shortages exacerbate the problem in country areas,” Ms Emery said.
“The key to reversing these trends is early intervention screening, assessment, and therapy for developmental vulnerabilities. For young children aged 3-5, this includes assessing and supporting school readiness, while for children aged 6-12, improved access to multidisciplinary allied health support is critical to helping them reach their full potential.”
Ms Emery said the Federal Government has made significant progress in early childhood education and care, implementing key reforms such as increased wages for educators, fee-free plus the recent 3-day guarantee, TAFE training and expanded access for families.
“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reiterated his commitment to making universal early learning his lasting legacy. His government must ensure that every Australian child, regardless of their location or circumstances, is not left behind – the 2024 census underscores how urgent and important these reforms are for all Australian children,” said Jacqui Emery.