Tuesday, 30 May 2023

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, Minister for Environment) (12:50): I rise today to update the house on the significant investment our government is making in early childhood education. As part of the 2023–24 Victorian budget we have invested an additional $1.8 billion. Our investment this year includes $1.2 billion for new and expanded kindergartens across the state, including on or near government and low-fee non-government schools. We have also invested to establish the first of the 50 government owned and operated early learning centres, giving more families access to local, affordable childcare. The first four centres will open in 2025. A $546.4 million package will continue free kinder as well as invest in the continued expansion of three-year-old kindergarten and the introduction of pre-prep.

We are investing $47.8 million to open eight new toy libraries, start 10 new bilingual kindergartens and continue the early childhood language program. We are also investing in 150 bush kinder programs each year and providing grants of $5000 to kinders to purchase new toys and equipment. For children with additional needs, we have invested $18.1 million in support, including expanding our preschool field officer program.

I was really pleased to celebrate our investment with several kindergartens, teachers and educators last week, including Aurora School Community Kindergarten, where I saw firsthand how bilingual programs give children the opportunity to engage fully in kindergarten. This year’s budget is all part of our commitment to ensure that every child, no matter their background or postcode, gets the very best start in life.