As parents across the state struggle with Labor’s cost-of-living crisis, the NSW Labor Government is adding to this burden by failing to deliver Coalition reforms to make childcare and preschool more affordable and easier to access.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Minns Government should not use federal childcare subsidies as a smokescreen to shortchange NSW parents.
“The NSW Coalition Government committed more than $15 billion over 10 years to make early childhood education and care services more affordable and accessible for parents and carers. This included the $5 billion Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund and a year of free pre-Kindergarten for all children,” Mr Speakman said.
“The Labor Party refused to match our support for working parents prior to the election, and given their record for slashing cost-of-living programs the Government is laying the groundwork to cut this essential funding as well.”
Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said that childcare costs act as a tax on working families with young children, and not investing in early childhood education and care sets children up to fail later in life.
“As a working mum with young children, I have been a tireless fighter for better access to preschool, early childhood education and care for families across our state. That’s why we’re calling on the Government to confirm no cuts to childcare funding ahead of the September Budget,” said Ms Mitchell.
“Many women feel they can’t return to work, or have to work reduced hours, because of the barriers to accessing quality and affordable early childhood education and care near their home or work. Caring for children is the number one reason mothers say they are not working more.”
“Even with the Commonwealth subsidies, access to childcare for thousands of families will be better supported with state funding and ripping that away would have a devastating effect and may force many women out of work.”
“So far, the Minns Labor Government have been silent on this issue. We have yet to see any movement on the rollout of the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund and there is no financial support flowing to families.”
“Labor have also only committed to 100 new preschools this term – one fifth of the 500 preschools the Coalition had earmarked – and won’t confirm a timeframe for delivering a year of free pre-Kindergarten for all children. They have also short-changed the early childhood workforce with a mere $22 million package, which pales in comparison with the $282 million that was being rolled out by the Coalition to support early childhood teachers and educators.”
“The evidence is clear that the first five years of a child’s life is critical for their social, emotional and cognitive development. That’s why we were investing record amounts in the early years because we know how important it is to set kids on the right trajectory.”
“Under Labor, family budgets will be shortchanged and thousands of children will miss out on the crucial early childhood education they need.”
“Our children deserve better than what Chris Minns and his team is offering.”