Thrive by Five welcomes the appointment of former Prime Minister Julia Gillard as the head of the South Australian Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education
17 October 2022 – Thrive by Five, an initiative of the Minderoo Foundation has welcomed the appointment of former Prime Minister Julia Gillard as the head of South Australia’s Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education.
The Royal Commission will investigate the reforms needed so South Australian families can better access quality early childhood education and care, and help give children a better start in life.
“Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s appointment as the head of South Australia’s Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education is a very welcome move,” said Jay Weatherill, Thrive by Five’s Director.
“During her time in Government, both as Education Minister and Prime Minister, Ms Gillard oversaw major reforms and was instrumental in delivering policy outcomes that fundamentally reformed our nation’s early education system for the better. She is also a committed champion of educational equity and access.
“We know the early years are a vital time for children’s brain development and have a lasting effect on a child’s lifelong learning and well-being.
“The size of a child’s brain reaches 90 per cent of an adult’s by the age of five.
“Early learning can be a great equaliser for children, helping them start formal learning on an equal par with other children.
“Thrive by Five is calling for a universally accessible, high-quality early learning system across Australia and we look forward to seeing the outcomes of the South Australian Royal Commission in getting us closer to the goal,” he said
