The ACT is lagging behind most of the country on early childhood development, according to the latest Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data, which places the territory second-lowest nationally for children’s physical health and wellbeing.

While outcomes across Australia have remained relatively stable, the ACT is trending downwards, raising concerns about gaps between government policy goals and on-the-ground support for families.

Nutrition Australia ACT CEO Leanne Elliston said the data highlights a lack of co-ordinated and funded action on early childhood nutrition, despite strong evidence of its importance in the first five years of life.

“The importance of nutrition in the first five years of life to children’s physical health, brain development and lifelong wellbeing is well established, yet even in a small, highly educated and well-resourced jurisdiction, the ACT lacks a clear, co-ordinated and funded framework to support early childhood nutrition,” Ms Elliston said.

The findings come despite the ACT Government’s Best Start for Canberra’s Children: The First 1000 Days Strategy, which recognises the critical role early life plays in long-term health and development.

Ms Elliston said without funded and co-ordinated nutrition support, this window of opportunity is being missed, contributing to declining outcomes.

“A government-funded ACT Early Childhood Nutrition Hub would help bridge the gap between strategic intent and coordinated implementation of public health nutrition programs and services,” she said.

Nutrition Australia has a budget bid for $1.1 million over three years before the ACT Government.

More than half of ACT children aged up to five attend early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings, which Ms Elliston said played a significant role in shaping food exposure, learning and habits.

“These settings provide a valuable opportunity to bring together evidence, education and early intervention in a more co-ordinated way,” she said.

Early Childhood Australia has endorsed the proposed Nutrition Hub, with CEO Samantha Page saying the early years are critical for establishing lifelong health and eating habits.

“This time is critical in preventing problems such as obesity and tooth decay down the track and providing support to families with challenges such as food refusal – before they become ingrained,” Ms Page said.

The proposal has also been backed by YWCA Canberra, with Director of Policy and Advocacy Leah Dwyer saying early learning providers recognise the importance of the first 1000 days in childhood development.

“Child wellbeing must be at the heart of all early learning services and an ACT Early Childhood Nutrition Hub can play an important role in ensuring that establishing healthy eating habits at an early age is part of this broader objective,” Ms Dwyer said.

Canberra Mothercraft Society president Tish Mercieca said evidence presented by Nutrition Australia ACT showing poor dietary intake among children was a serious concern.

“Providing access to a central hub offering evidence-based programs designed and delivered by accredited practising dietitians will significantly educate parents and care providers on the key nutritional principles underpinning maternal and child health,” Ms Mercieca said.

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre CEO Dr Yvonne Luxford said the first two years of life are a critical period where nutrition, maternal mental health and child development are closely linked.

“For many mothers experiencing anxiety or depression, a coordinated Early Childhood Nutrition Hub would provide practical, trusted support alongside wellbeing services,” Dr Luxford said.

Ms Elliston said strong sector support and evidence show investing in nutrition during the first five years of life is one of the most effective ways to improve children’s health and long-term outcomes.

“Acting early is both a public health imperative and a smart investment in the future wellbeing of Canberra’s population,” she said.