NSW and Victoria in race to the top on massive, life changing early learning reform
16 June 2022 – Thrive by Five has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement today of a massive $9 billion investment in an overhaul of early childhood education and care.
Victoria will make kinder free across the state, deliver a new universal preschool year for every four year old and establish 50 government-operated childcare centres.
The NSW Government this week outlined a $5 billion investment in early childhood education and care and today announced free preschool for all four year olds.
Thrive by Five Director Jay Weatherill said, “The race to the top on significant early learning reform will be life changing for children, women and families across Victoria and NSW.
“It’s not just an incredible investment in children, this is an investment in better choices for women and families and will drive workforce participation and the economy.
“These early learning announcements show great leadership and open a door of opportunity for all state and Federal governments to work together for universally accessible, high-quality and affordable early childhood education and care.
“Early childhood education and care is a smart investment that can boost the economy, ease financial pressure on families, increase women’s workforce participation and help kids maximise their potential.
“Thrive by Five urges state and Commonwealth leaders meeting tomorrow to follow NSW and Victoria’s example and place early learning reform firmly on the national agenda.
“Early learning reform will provide a legacy of better life outcomes for children, with the early years crucial for development, including shaping thinking and emotional patterns for life,” Mr Weatherill said.
