6 August, 2018

Worrying signs for Australia’s Preschool Funding

Today, ELAA learned that the Turnbull Government has confirmed they will stop funding preschool
after next year and they are yet to announce any future plans to contribute to the cost of preschool
education. On the back of the announcement to cease funding the National Quality Partnership on
the National Quality Agenda, these are extremely worrying signs for the Australian Early Childhood
Education and Care (ECEC) sector.

Participation in quality ECEC is a right and offers significant benefits to Australian children, their
families, the community and the economy. Research clearly demonstrates that two years of
preschool gives children the best possible start in life and supports improved school engagement,
retention and completion outcomes, strengthened workforce participation and earnings capacity,
as well as enhanced health outcomes.

With the Child Care Subsidy already disadvantaging the most vulnerable and disadvantaged
families, parents will now face the likelihood of significantly increased costs associated with funding
kindergarten for their children. Sadly, Australia was already ranked 24 out of 26 OECD nations in
terms of its investment in early childhood education, and it is one of just 11 nations worldwide to
provide one year of preschool – putting it on par with countries like Angola, Bermuda, Iran and
Nigeria. This decision sets us even further behind other nations across the world.

Aside from the negative impact on families and children, thousands of kindergarten staff across
Australia now face doubts about the viability of 4-year-old preschool, despite the nationally-backed
“Lifting our Game” report review recently calling for increased investment in early childhood
education.

ELAA is deeply concerned at these developments and will be advocating alongside members to
Prime Minister Turnbull and Minister Simon Birmingham to continue a national commitment to
excellence in early learning for every child.

ENDS

Media contact: David Worland, CEO, ELAA 0499 411 299 or 03 9489 3500