THRIVE BY FIVE WELCOMES TASMANIAN OPPOSITION COMMITMENT TO REDUCE EARLY LEARNING OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS
5 June 2023 – Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five initiative has welcomed a new commitment from the Tasmanian Opposition to reduce high out-of-pocket early learning costs for parents and carers undertaking further study at TAFE.
“Tasmanian families are paying more than ever before for early childhood education and care,” said Thrive by Five director Jay Weatherill.
Fees for childcare increased by an average of 5.6 per cent in Tasmania in the year to September 2022, according to the latest release of data from the Department of Education.*
“Out-of-pocket costs are an enormous barrier, making it difficult for families to access the childcare they need to undertake their own study.
“This means not only is it harder for parents and carers to complete their qualifications and get a job, but children miss out on the lifelong health, education and well being benefits associated with high quality early childhood education and care.
“We welcome this commitment and we encourage all Tasmanian political parties to develop further policies and initiatives to reduce high out-of-pocket early learning costs.
“This would ensure Tasmanian families can work and study and that children will enjoy the benefits of a high quality, universally accessible and affordable early learning system,” Mr Weatherill said.
* https://www.education.gov.au/early-childhood/resources/september-quarter-2022-data-tables
