Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation joins Thrive by Five’s calls for early learning and childcare reform
24 March 2021 – The Thrive by Five campaign is excited to welcome the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation’s (ANMF) support for reform of the early learning and childcare system.
The ANMF is just one of dozens of supporting organisations ranging from unions, businesses, not-for-profits and prominent Australians banding together to address an issue that affects every Australian child, and the Australian economy.
Thrive by Five CEO Jay Weatherill welcomed the ANMF’s support and said it would lead to increased awareness of the importance of infant and maternal health.
“We’re excited to have the support of such an important union for essential workers who are key to the success of the campaign. Infant and maternal health is a critical part of the early childhood development system, which is in urgent need of reform,” Mr Weatherill said.
“Clearly this is becoming a significant cross-sectoral issue. It’s more than just workforce participation and sending kids away while their parents go to work. We need to make sure our future generations are not left developmentally vulnerable and that our economy recovers successfully from the pandemic.”
Annie Butler, Federal Secretary of the ANMF said the Federation fully supported the vision to reform Australia’s early learning and childcare system.
“We are so glad to be onboard for such an important cause,” she said. “The current system is letting down parents and children in the years where they need the most support. It’s leaving mothers with no support and children without the crucial learnings and skills they need before they start school.
“Our nurses and midwives understand the importance of the early years and they are strong advocates of proper maternal and infant support. Many are also working long shifts or night shifts and are unable to access proper childcare. They need this reform as much as any other sector.”
