Witnesses in our scheduled public hearings have also provided written submissions to support their statements. These are available to download below.
Session 1: How are SA children going overall? How are they going in the early years?
Dr Victoria Whitington is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of South Australia. Most recently she was Dean of Programs in Education Futures and previously Associate Dean of School of Education.
Her research includes critical perspectives on children's learning and development, children's wellbeing in education settings and early brain development.
She is currently the Presiding Member of the Child Development Council SA.
Session 2: What are the key inputs to changing a child’s development outcome?
Dr Rhiannon Pilkington is a senior research fellow in the School of Public Health, University of Adelaide as a part of the BetterStart Health and Development research group led by Professor John Lynch. She is an epidemiologist with expertise in translational research, data analytics, and linked administrative data.
Her research focuses on improving the evidence that informs how we can ensure every child, young person and family receives the support they need.
Learn more about Dr Rhiannon Pilkington
Powerpoint Presented at the Royal Commission (PDF, 1.9 MB)
Submission to Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care (PDF, 442.7 KB)
Professor Sally Brinkman is a Professor at Education Futures at the University of South Australia. Sally’s research aims to improve the healthy development and early learning of young children, with a focus on those living in diverse and disadvantaged communities. Sally undertakes research across Australia, as well as countries in Asia, Pacific regions, Latin America and the Emirates.
Her research has had significant global and local impact and is highly relevant for the disciplines of early education, community development, and development economics.
Learn more about Professor Sally Brinkman
Submission to Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care (PDF, 165.6 KB)
How many words are Australian children hearing in the first year of life? (PDF, 1.2 MB)
Session 4: What do we know about how ECEC can support child development?
Professor Sharon Goldfeld is a paediatrician and Director, Centre for Community Child Health (CCCH) the Royal Children’s Hospital, Co-Group leader of Policy and Equity, and Theme Director, Population Health at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. She has a decade of experience in state government as a senior policymaker in health and education including Principal Medical Advisor in the Victorian Department of Education and Training.
Her research program is made up of complementary, synergistic and cross-disciplinary streams of work focused on investigating, testing and translating sustainable policy relevant solutions that eliminate inequities for Australia’s children.
Learn more about Professor Sharon Goldfeld
Submission to Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care (PDF, 337.2 KB)
Restacking the Odds - Indicator Guide (PDF, 1.0 MB)
Restacking the Odds - Early childhood education and care (PDF, 2.4 MB)
Associate Professor Brigid Jordan is a social worker and infant mental health clinician, academic and researcher. She worked at the Royal Children’s Hospital for 35 years most recently as the Associate Professor of Social Work. She is an Honorary Principal Fellow in the Department of Paediatrics, at The University of Melbourne and honorary Team Leader of Infant Mental Health research at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
Her research focuses on the impact of early life stress- either because of serious illness and hospital experience, or significant family stress and social disadvantage – on the health and mental health of infants and toddlers and their families.
Learn more about Associate Professor Brigid Jordan
Submission to Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care (PDF, 209.4 KB)
