QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT’S $500M ‘PUTTING QLD KIDS FIRST’ PLAN A SIGNIFICANT WIN FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
2 June 2024 – The State Government’s final Putting Queensland Kids First early years plan is a major investment that will benefit children and families for years to come, but more must be done to address an early childhood education and care workforce crisis, says an alliance of more than 30 organisations.
The Thrive by Five Queensland Alliance, which is made up of more than 30 groups who support child development and education in the state, said the plan was a big step towards ensuring all children in the state had the best possible start to life.
The $501.9 million package includes significant investments in allied health and child developmental services, improved access to free 4-year-old kindy in discrete communities, family support coordinators and behaviour specialists in primary schools, children’s hearing screenings and diagnostic services, integrated community supports and dedicated place-based supports for First Nations communities.
Jay Weatherill, from Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five campaign, congratulated the State Government for recognising the need for early childhood education and care reform in Queensland.
“This is a significant commitment by Premier Miles and his Government to improve the outcomes of children and families in Queensland, and we commend the efforts of all who have contributed to the development of this Putting Queensland Kids First plan,” Mr Weatherill said.
“All children – no matter where they’re from or what background they come from – deserve the chance to thrive. Today, Queensland has signalled that they are prepared to deliver an investment that could positively impact generations of families living in the state.
“We hope to see more positive developments for Queensland’s early childhood education and care sector ahead of the state election in October, including a dedicated workforce strategy and a plan for free three-year-old kinder, and urge all other parties to follow the Government’s lead with an early years plan of their own.”
Thrive by Five Queensland Alliance spokesperson and PeakCare CEO Thomas Allsop also welcomed the Miles Government’s commitment, while flagging the need for more supports to address the state’s ECEC workforce crisis.
“Today is a massive day for Queensland’s early childhood and allied health sector, which has been tirelessly campaigning for a dedicated plan to benefit families and children for years,” Mr Allsop said.
“Thrive by Five’s Queensland Alliance commends the State Government for taking the initiative to consult with the sector to deliver a plan that puts all children first and commit to investing in solutions that will improve access to early learning, allied health, developmental programs and community supports for families across the state.”
“However, if the Putting Queensland Kids First plan is to be successfully implemented, it must include a dedicated workforce plan to assist in the delivery of these programs. Too many families – particularly those in regional and remote Queensland – are missing out on vital early learning and allied health services due to severe workforce shortages.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Government on ways to address these workforce shortages in the lead-up to this year’s State Budget and the October election, ensuring we can guarantee the best possible outcomes for children, families, educators and other critical sector workers.
“Additionally, we urge all other political parties in Queensland to come to the table and commit to an early years plan ahead of October’s state election to ensure all children are provided with the best possible opportunity to thrive.”
Thrive by Five’s Queensland Alliance is supported by Minderoo Foundation and includes organisations from across the child development and wellbeing, education, university, union and early learning sectors.
