29 March 2021 – The Thrive by Five campaign for early learning and childcare reform today welcomed the Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement of a new cabinet taskforce on women’s equality, safety, economic security, health and wellbeing alongside the cabinet reshuffle.
The announcement follows Thrive by Five’s open letter to the Prime Minister, co-signed by high profile Australian women including Minderoo Foundation co-founder Nicola Forrest, Lucy Turnbull AO, Rosie Batty AO and ABC Chair Ita Buttrose AC, calling for a women’s budget.
Early learning and childcare reform is a key concern for Australians with 91,000 parents, mostly women, stating that the cost of childcare is a major barrier to employment. Cheaper childcare would also deliver $150,000 in higher lifetime earnings to the average Australian working mother.
Thrive by Five CEO Jay Weatherill said the announcement was a great opportunity to prioritise early learning and childcare reform.
“This is a welcome announcement on the Federal Government’s priorities for women. But to really show commitment to improving the safety and economic security of women, we need to see action on their biggest concerns,” Mr Weatherill said.
“We look forward to providing a submission to the new cabinet taskforce and speaking on behalf of thousands of Australians who are calling for change.
“We are also calling on the new Women’s Economic Security Minister Senator Jane Hume to prioritise high quality, universally accessible and affordable early learning and childcare.
“There is just too much evidence to ignore on the benefits of early learning and childcare reform.
“We look forward to working with the taskforce and the new cabinet to improve the system for women, children and all Australians.”
