Dr Ros Baxter

CEO, Goodstart Early Learning

Dr Ros Baxter is CEO of Goodstart Early Learning, Australia’s largest not-forprofit early learning provider. A nationally recognised education executive with 25 years of experience, Ros has dedicated her career to advancing early intervention and education as key solutions to breaking the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage.

Her unique background spans frontline social work, senior government roles and policy leadership – including serving as Deputy Secretary at the Australian Department of Education and leading social policy strategy as First Assistant Secretary at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. She has also worked in partnership with community and research organisations to ensure early learning and intervention remain central to national policy.

Ros is a strong advocate for working alongside educators, families and communities to drive meaningful change. Her lifelong guiding principle, ‘Who needs me most?’ continues to shape her mission to ensure every child, particularly those facing disadvantage, has access to the high quality early learning they need to thrive.