A forum to discuss early childhood education and care held at Ocean Beach Surf Lifesaving Club on Friday, February 2, saw educators, providers and families discuss the challenges faced by the sector with Member for Robertson Gordon Reid.
Close to 100 people participated, with those who were not able to attend in person streaming in via video link.
“Access to affordable early childhood education and care is an important priority of the Federal Labor Government and is why we tasked the Productivity Commission with establishing an inquiry into Australia’s early childhood education and care sector,” Reid said.
“Our government wants to see universal early childhood education and care across Australia, like how we understand universal Medicare and universal superannuation.
“This outcome can only be possible when we identify the issues that are holding back the sector and affecting access for communities.
“I convened the Robertson Early Childhood Education and Care Forum to invite the region’s educators, providers and families to speak with me about how we can improve the sector.
“The forum was insightful.
“Participants provided useful feedback which I will raise with the Minister for Early Childhood Education Anne Aly, Minister for Education Jason Clare, and Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke.
“The forum was also an opportunity to emphasise the importance of making submissions to the Productivity Commission’s Draft Report into Early Childhood Education and Care, which closes on February 14.
“I look forward to helping build on the Federal Labor Government’s reforms, like cheaper childcare, which has seen the cost of childcare reduced for more than one million families.”
To make a submission to the Productivity Commission’s Draft Report into Early Childhood Education and Care, visit: https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/childhood#draft by February 14.