Jess Walsh
ALP Federal

Minister for Early Childhood Education

Elected 2019

7 years

Senator for Victoria (VIC)

Federal - VIC

Jess was born in Melbourne in 1971 and grew up in the city’s east in North Balwyn, alongside her two siblings.

After her schooling, she graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and then from the University of Southern California with a Master of Arts. She returned to the University of Melbourne where she completed her PhD in labour studies with her thesis entitled ‘Organising the low-wage service sector: labour, community and urban politics in the Unite...

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Portfolios

  • Minister for Early Childhood Education
  • Minister for Youth

Committees

  • Intelligence and Security
  • Parliamentary Standards

Key Staff

  • Simon Kent

    Chief of Staff

    ****@****.gov.au

  • Alex Beech

    Deputy Chief of Staff

    ****@****.gov.au

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First Speech in Parliament

11 September 2019

# Job Security # Union Rights # Education

  • Personal Background and Values

    • Grew up in Melbourne, influenced by parents who were staunch Labor supporters.
    • Inspired by mother's struggles for education and her career as an English teacher.
    • Values of respect, education, and the importance of women determining their futures are central to her beliefs.
  • Union and Job Security Advocacy

    • Active member of the United Workers Union, representing 150,000 essential workers across Australia.
    • Highlights the crisis of insecure work, low wages, and the need for decent, stable jobs as fundamental issues facing Australians today.
    • Advocates for a 'secure jobs pledge' to prioritise job security, respect, and fair wages, especially for women and migrant workers.
  • Focus on Economic Restructuring and Education

    • Emphasises the need for government intervention in creating stable jobs and protecting vulnerable workers.
    • Calls for investment in sustainable industries and respect for essential sectors such as childcare and aged care.
    • Urges a commitment to education as a pathway for all Australians to achieve their potential.

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FAQ

Simon Kent is Jess Walsh's Chief of Staff.

Jess Walsh represents the Senate seat of Victoria in the Australian Parliament.

Jess Walsh is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Latest Updates

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Media Releases

Press conference - Gowrie NSW Malabar Early Education and Care

Media Release • 7 May

Education Early Education Child Care Budget

AI Summary

  • An Early Education and Care Commission is to be established to improve safety and accessibility in early childhood education.
  • There has been a significant increase in children attending early education, with safety reforms already implemented to enhance child protection.
  • The initiative aims to address oversupply and undersupply issues in childcare services across Australia, ensuring all families can access affordable, quality care.

MORE KIDS ENROLLING IN PRESCHOOL

Media Release • 7 May

Education Early Education

AI Summary

  • Nearly 9,000 more children enrolled in preschool, a 2.6% increase from 2024.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enrolments rose by 7.4%, adding around 1,700 children.
  • 2.8% more children attended preschool for at least 600 hours.
  • The number of early education services increased from 13,474 to 13,793.
  • The Government's investments include $430 million for subsidised care and $1 billion for building early learning facilities.

In Parliament

BILLS › Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025, Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025

In Committee

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 30 March

Education Tertiary Education

AI Summary

  • The committee discussed the Universities Accord Bill 2025, focusing on the establishment of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission.
  • Key provisions include funding allocations, governance structures, and accountability measures for tertiary education.
  • The committee examined potential impacts on universities and students, including equity in access and educational quality.

BILLS › Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025, Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025

Second Reading

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 30 March

Education Tertiary Education

AI Summary

  • Introduction of the Universities Accord Bills 2025 aimed at reforming tertiary education.
  • Focus on improving accessibility and quality within the education sector.
  • Establishment of an Australian Tertiary Education Commission to oversee these reforms.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 12 May 2026

More tax cuts for working Australians are on the way. Tonight’s Budget delivers another permanent tax cut, our new $1,000 instant tax deduction, on top of lower fuel taxes to help when you fill up. More help with the cost of living — and more money back in Australians’ pockets.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 12 May 2026

Posted on LinkedIn • 7 May 2026

Education Early Education Child Care

We’re taking the next step to strengthen early childhood education and care. Today, Jason Clare MP and I have begun consultation on a national Early Education and Care Commission. The Albanese Labor Government is putting the building blocks of a quality universal early education and care system in place right now. We’re building new services where they’re needed with our $1 billion Building Early Education Fund. And we’re increasing access through our 3 Day Guarantee and Cheaper Child C...
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 29 April 2026

Social Services Corrective Services Multicultural Affairs

Zayd Safi is a mentor at 16 Yards. He’s part of a team that supports young people who are caught up in the justice system to break the cycle. Or as he told me – he holds hope for young people until they can hold it for themselves. As someone who has lived through incarceration in the adult justice system, Zayd knows just how tough it can be to break that cycle. But he did it. And so did his fellow mentors at 16 Yards. Now, Zayd’s providing the guidance and support so many young people nee...
Open Post