Tuesday, 1 August 2023

Monbulk electorate

Daniela DE MARTINO (Monbulk) (15:38): (235) My constituency question is for the Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep. Minister, what impact will we see across the electorate of Monbulk from the introduction of free three- and four-year-old kinder, an increase of early childhood education hours of up to 30 per week? It is well established that access to kindergarten significantly reduces rates of developmental vulnerability amongst children. We know that free kinder is also helping with the cost-of-living pressures, with savings of up to $2500 in fees per child per annum.

Early childhood education and care is unaffordable for about 386,000 Australian families. It is great to see that here in Victoria the Andrews Labor government is addressing this affordability issue. The increase in female participation in the workforce is also sure to benefit from this excellent initiative. Minister Stitt, I would be keen to communicate the positive impacts to my constituents, because education is a lifelong journey and we know that the first five years of a child’s life are so critical for healthy development. Your response will allow me to better inform the parents of Monbulk of the benefit this policy will have.