G8 Education has welcomed the announcement by the Federal Government today – the universal entitlement of at least three days per week of high-quality early learning and care for every child – and more for children who need it.
G8 Education Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Pejman Okhovat welcomed the announcement, saying it was a necessary shift towards achieving universal access to early education.
“We have strongly advocated for all families across Australia to have access to at least 30 hours, or three days a week CCS, regardless of parent’s employment status,” said Mr Okhovat.
“We welcome the announcement by the Government today to remove the Activity Test for three days a week, or 72 hours a fortnight, for families in line with the Productivity Commission’s recommendations.”
“We strongly believe that a child’s participation in early childhood education and care should not depend on their parents’ circumstances.”
G8 Education has previously written to the Minister for Education endorsing the key recommendations in the Productivity Commission’s final report, A path to universal early childhood education and care calling on all members of the Australian Parliament to accept the findings and recommendations.
“The Productivity Commission report provides an important roadmap for the early education and care sector, and we look forward to continuing the conversation across the Parliament about implementing the Productivity Commission’s recommendations.”
“The recommendations address issues beyond affordability, including addressing workforce shortages, improving access for vulnerable children and those in very remote areas, and ensuring that quality standards improve.”
“G8 Education as one of the largest providers of early childhood education and care across Australia, looks forward to consultation with Government over the detail of the Education Service Delivery Price (SDP) program and the Building Early Education Fund.”