NEW FEDERAL GOVT STRATEGY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD WILL BENEFIT CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, CAMPAIGNERS SAY
07 May 2024 – Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five campaign has welcomed the Federal Government’s first Early Years Strategy, released today, which outlines a vision for all Australian states and territories to adopt a comprehensive, nationally consistent approach to the early years [1].
Minderoo Foundation’s Jay Weatherill said that the strategy is a much-needed, positive step in the right direction, which lays the groundwork for developing a truly universal, accessible and affordable early childhood education system in Australia.
“Australia’s current approach to the early years is deeply fragmented and varies greatly across states and territories,” Mr Weatherill said.
“Where a child is born should not determine whether they have access to high-quality learning in the early years, however, that is unfortunately the current reality.
“By outlining a vision and framework for developing a more nationally consistent early years system, the Federal Government’s Early Years Strategy helps address this challenge.
“The strategy rightly recognises the vital importance of access to high-quality care in the early years and how it can help set children up for lifelong success,” Mr Weatherill said.
The Early Years Strategy focuses on four key priority pillars, these include:
- Valuing the early years;
- Empowering parents, caregivers and families;
- Supporting and working with communities; and
- Strengthening accountability and coordination
Over this year, the Federal Government will also release three action plans as a part of the strategy which will outline a ten-year roadmap towards achieving a nationally consistent early years system.
“It is very encouraging to see that the strategy factors in the vital role played by educators, community groups, and parents and caregivers, in the early years.
“Giving children the best possible start in life requires a coordinated approach that involves many key stakeholders and spans across health, education and other key developmental goals.
“This is the first time that we as a nation have recognised the serious problems in approaching this vital period in children’s lives in an inconsistent and fragmented manner.
“Every Australian child deserves the very best start to life and while the Early Years Strategy provides a pathway towards it, there are important steps that the Federal Government can take now to improve access and affordability.
“These include abolishing the punitive childcare subsidy Activity Test, funding an immediate wage increase for all early childhood educators, and introducing fee caps.
“We look forward to working with federal, state and territory governments in overseeing the rollout of the Early Years Strategy and also encourage them to take these vital steps in the interim,” Mr Weatherill said.
[1] Australian Government – Department of Social Services – Early Years Strategy
