About Us

ACT Parents (formerly the ACT Council of Parents & Citizens Associations) is the representative body for parents, carers, and Parent & Citizen (P&C) Associations in ACT public schools. We represent the collective views of parents and carers to government, advocating for quality, inclusive, and equitable public education.

The parent voice

Since 1974, Council has been representing the views of ACT public school P&Cs, parents, and carers to government. Our work focuses on consulting with public school parent and community groups to identify key issues and ideas for improving public education. We communicate these insights to decision-makers, contributing to policy development and systemic change.

In 2018, Council amalgamated with the Canberra Preschool Society, which had been representing the interests of public preschool parents since 1954. This merger strengthened our capacity to advocate for public education from preschool through to Year 12.

In 2025, Council rebranded as ACT Parents to better reflect our purpose and the diverse range of services we provide for P&Cs, parents, and carers.

For more information see Parent Voice.

Helping P&Cs

We also provide help, resources and training to our members - Parent and Citizen Associations (P&Cs), Preschool Parent Associations (PPAs) and other similar parent bodies in ACT public schools - to help their volunteers to run these important organisations smoothly.

Our Vision

To build the school communities of tomorrow - a 'village' where parents and schools value educational outcomes and community partnerships based on mutual respect & trust.

Our Purpose

To engage and empower parent associations to engineer inclusive, resourceful and collaborative school communities.

Our strategic plan also outlines our Values and Goals.

Reconciliation

Meeting place - section of Harrison School's Community Lego Project

ACT Parents is committed to the process of reconciliation through our Reconciliation Action Plan.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Land we live on in the Australian Capital Territory. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the nation. Respect and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures develops an enriched appreciation of Australia’s cultural heritage and can lead to reconciliation. This is essential to the maturity of Australia as a nation and is fundamental to the development of an Australian identity.

Image credit: Harrison School

More about us

You can peruse our current policy document which details the views of ACT Parents on a wide range of educational issues.

Alternatively, read the latest Annual Report to see what we got up to last year, or take a look at our constitution and By Laws or our current strategic plan.

ACT Parents is affiliated with The Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) who advocate for parents at the federal level.