PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION BACKS VISION FOR EVERY CHILD TO THRIVE BY FIVE: DELIVERS CASE FOR EARLY YEARS ENTITLEMENT
24 November 2023 – Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five campaign has welcomed the Productivity Commission’s comprehensive support for a truly universal and affordable early learning and care system for Australian families.
“The Productivity Commission has joined over a hundred organisations and 100,000 Thrive by Five supporters to imagine a nation in which every single child has the right to thrive by five,” Minderoo Foundation’s Jay Weatherill said.
“The Production Commission interim report provides comprehensive and ambitious support for the aims of the Thrive by Five Make it Law campaign, which would establish a universal entitlement to three days a week of early childhood education and care and deliver key reforms to Australia’ early childhood system.
“It has also presented the Federal Government an immediate solution to the cost-of-living pressures facing struggling parents that will put downward pressure on inflation.
“Thrive by Five welcomes the recommendation of a 100 per cent subsidy for 30 per cent of families. We believe that a price cap of $10 a day for the other 70 per cent of families will help deal with the cost-of-living crisis and provide further benefits for workforce participation, productivity and gender equality.
“The recommendation to remove the punitive Activity Test for up to 30 hours of childcare per week will help ensure no child is denied access to life-enriching early learning because of their family income or individual circumstances.
“The Productivity Commission has also highlighted the importance that early childhood services be inclusive, integrated and available for all families regardless of where they live or individual needs and circumstances. Addressing these issues, whether for children with disability, in regional and remote areas, or different cultural backgrounds, will be essential for realising the full benefit for the economy and families.
“Thrive by Five last week launched a national campaign to introduce a legislative body that oversees the rollout of a universal, high-quality affordable and accessible early learning system across Australia, capped at $10/day, 3 days a week for all families, regardless of their circumstances.
“The Productivity Commission’s interim report has laid out a solid path for the Federal Government to deliver a legacy of better support for families so that every Australian child can thrive by five,” Mr Weatherill said.
The Productivity Commission recommended:
- Up to 30 hours or three days a week of quality early childhood education and care should be available to all children aged 0–5 years.
- Governments prioritise workforce challenges facing the sector including career and recruitment pathways, which are the key to addressing availability issues.
- A new independent Early Childhood Education and Care Commission to support, advise and monitor governments’ progress towards universal access to ECEC.
- Early Education and Care services should be inclusive of all children, including those with disability and those from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- The CCS activity test should be relaxed so that it is not a barrier for any family wishing to access up to 30 hours or three days a week of Early Education and Care services.
