Unfortunately, the recent announcement from the Turnbull Joyce Government of 15 hours a week of preschool for four-year-olds has not been committed beyond 2019.
There is no doubt that access to four-year-old preschool gives our children in Eden-Monaro the best head start to school and for life. That’s why Labor introduced this program.
I am, however very concerned that this funding will only be for 2019. Families and the early learning sector in our community need certainty in their budgets to support the youngest members of our community.
If the Turnbull Joyce Government is serious about giving our children the best possible opportunities in life, they will ensure long-term funding for four-year-old preschool is secured.
They have been in government since 2013, and they still won’t commit to long-term funding for preschools - it is not good enough for the future of our children.
Mr Turnbull and Mr Joyce need to stop fighting amongst themselves, and provide certainty to the sector and show that they are willing to invest in our children’s futures.
