STOP-GAP PRESCHOOL FUNDING PROLONGS UNCERTAINTY FOR FAMILIES

Today’s stop-gap announcement to extend preschool funding for four year olds for one more year once again shows the Turnbull Government is happy to leave the sector and families in limbo. 

 

Whilst Labor welcomes this last minute stop-gap, it’s a gutless effort by the Minister who has once again left uncertainty in the sector and uncertainty for families.  

 

Whilst Labor welcomes this last minute stop-gap, it’s a weak effort by the Minister who has once again left uncertainty in the sector and uncertainty for families.  

 

Another year reprieve to preschool funding for four year olds doesn’t provide certainty to the sector or to families.

 

There is no doubt that access to four year old preschool gives our children the best head start to school and for life. That’s why Labor introduced this program. The government know this too and yet won’t commit to long-term funding.

 

If the Turnbull Government were serious about giving our children the best possible opportunities in life they would ensure long term funding for four year old preschool was secured. They have been in government since 2013 – and they still won’t commit to long term funding for preschools.

 

This is not good enough for the future of our children. The Minister needs to stop making excuses and provide certainty to the sector and show he is willing to invest in our children’s futures.    

 

The Turnbull Government clearly knows how to pile it on; at the same time 279,000 families worse off come July 2 under the Turnbull Government’s new child care changes, families will also be left unsure if their children will have access to preschool in 2019.