Thursday, 30 November 2023

Motions

Early childhood education

Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (16:47): I rise with much delight on this last sitting day of the year to speak on the Best Start, Best Life reforms, motion 233 on the notice paper. It is our last sitting week, and fingers crossed this is the last motion that we will debate on this fine day. I move:

That this house notes that the Allan Labor government leads the nation in early childhood through its Best Start, Best Life reforms by:

(1) delivering 50 government owned and operated early learning centres;

(2) establishing free kinder, saving families $2500 for each child every year; and

(3) introducing pre-prep, a play-based learning program for every four-year-old child.

Let me start by reaffirming, as I have in this place a number of times, that Victoria leads the nation in early childhood education and care. The Allan Labor government is in fact building 50 early childhood centres in communities that need them the most. These centres are crucial to be able to deliver programs like free kinder and free prep. We have committed $14 billion to expand kindergarten programs across the state under the Best Start, Best Life reforms.

The 50 government owned and operated early learning centres initiative is an ambitious plan to address childcare shortages in areas of greatest need, and where possible the early learning centres will be co-located with schools to avoid the dreaded double drop-off. In some cases they may be co-located with services like maternal and child health services and playgroups.

This is an ambitious reform. Recently we were in this place debating a bill to enable the minister to acquire land to deliver kindergartens and the 50 government owned and operated early learning centres. The first four centres will open in 2025, with a further 26 locations announced, the first of which will be co-located at Eaglehawk North Primary School, Moomba Park Primary School and Sunshine Primary School. The next 26 locations for centres have been announced and are somewhere in the vicinity of Creswick–Clunes, Dandenong, Foster, Frankston North, Glenroy in Northern Metropolitan Region, Golden Plains, Hallam and Hampton Park-Lynbrook. The list continues with Heidelberg West, Kings Park, Lalor in the Northern Metropolitan Region, Loddon, Maryborough, Melton South, Mildura, Noble Park East, Numurkah, Portarlington, Portland and Reservoir – again in the Northern Metropolitan Region, and how good it is to see Northern Metro represented so strongly in these next 26 centre locations. Continuing on, we have got Rochester, Rockbank–Mount Cottrell, Seymour, Shepparton, Werribee and Yallourn North–Glengarry. The remaining 20 early learning centre locations will be selected based on need. Those locations are yet to be announced, but please be assured that all of these centres, wherever they will be, will be opened by 2028.

The opening of these new childcare centres is a testament to our government’s commitment to working parents. Balancing the demands of working families can be a tremendous challenge, and these new centres will ease that burden. They will provide a reliable and nurturing environment for children, allowing parents to have peace of mind knowing that their children are in free kinder at one of the 50 ‍new state government supported childcare centres. This initiative, may I say, will also provide a significant boost to Victoria’s local economies.

The kits that have been well known and well loved across our state are designed to be included in kinders across our state. I have had the good fortune of visiting and handing out some of these fun time kinder kits, and I have got to tell you, it is a fun exercise indeed. They are designed to encourage continued learning at home, helping parents support their children to thrive in this their first year of kinder with activities to develop language and social skills, the expression of emotions and, what I find most exciting, creativity.

Let me tell you about the kinder kits, because they have been rolling out across the state with great success and incredible enthusiasm from our youngest learners. The illustrated kinder kit carry case, which is going to be quite an iconic piece indeed, is made from recycled materials and is designed and built for flexible, long-term use rather than as a one-off, single-use container. It opens out to become a play surface, with a whiteboard and markers included, and can be repurposed for storing kinder and other childhood memories. The kits include some crayons; Wild Dough playdough – we all remember playdough from our younger years; Korango Australian animal magnets; a Micador Early Start developmental activity pad; Seed Collection alfalfa seeds – how exciting; Flip Make Play family cards; and Purebaby story cubes designed by Nikita Rotumah, a traditional owner from Gunditjmara country in the Western District of Victoria.

The children also receive two great books by Australian authors – how fantastic – from a list. They are sort of randomly assigned to the kinder kits, I assure you. There is Windows by Patrick Guest; Tell ‍’em! by Rosemary Sullivan and Katrina Germein; Where Does a Giraffe Go to Bed? by Craig MacLean; An A to Z Story of Australian Animals by Sally Morgan – a very esteemed Australian author; My Dog Bigsy by Alison Lester; and, my personal favourite that I have already mentioned three times in the last three days, My People by AFL and all-round legend Eddie Betts. If someone wants a copy of that book, please let me know because I had the good fortune of picking up a great number of them before they hit the rare list.

All of the suppliers for the kinder kits are Australian businesses, with nearly 70 per cent of the total kinder kit expenditure invested in Victoria – this is indeed supporting local economic recovery and employment following the pandemic – and more than 300 Victorians are involved in some way with the delivery of these kits.

In an Australian first the Labor government is investing almost $5 billion this decade to provide three-year-old children with access to an additional year of funded kindergarten programs. You see, investing in child care stands as a pivotal and unequivocal positive undertaking that echoes a commitment to the holistic development of both individuals and society at large. At the core of this commitment lies a profound acknowledgement that the early years of a child’s life constitute a critical period of growth and formation, influencing cognitive, social and emotional development in ways that resonate throughout their lifetime. Quality child care facilitated by strategic investments provides an indispensable foundation for the next generation. It is a testament to our collective dedication to foster an environment where every child irrespective of their socio-economic background is afforded the opportunity to thrive by creating the spaces that prioritise safety, nurturance and learning. We not only shape the academic journey of these young minds but instill in them the essential values of empathy, resilience and cooperation that are integral to our harmonious and multicultural society.

Beyond the immediate impact on children, investing in child care reverberates through the fabric of our communities. It is a catalyst for workforce participation, particularly for mothers who are often faced with the challenging decision of balancing career aspirations and caregiving responsibilities. As accessible and high-quality child care becomes a reality, parents can engage more fully in the workforce, contributing to economic productivity and fostering gender equality by dismantling barriers that hinder the professional advancement of women in our economy. By creating jobs and stimulating growth in our communities these childcare centres are not only places of learning, they are hubs of opportunity. They are creating employment opportunities for educators and support staff and empowering local businesses, contributing to the overall prosperity of our towns and our cities.

Let us embrace this moment with gratitude and optimism. You see, the opening of these 50 new childcare centres is a testament to the Allan Labor government’s unwavering commitment to our children, our families and our future. Together we are building a society where every child has access to quality education and every family is supported on their journey. These centres are not just buildings, they are symbols of progress. You see, investments in child care play a really critical and pivotal role in supporting families. Can I just say that accessible and high-quality childcare services alleviate the burden on families, allowing parents to maintain a healthy work-life balance and overall enhancing economic productivity. In essence robust investments in child care empower families, laying the groundwork for thriving economies and societies. It is basic, it is simple and it is practical. The changes in Best Start, Best Life, these reforms, will allow the government’s policy, I hope, to be implemented as fast as possible so Victorian families can enjoy the benefits when they need them, which for so many families in Victoria is right now. I just would say that I could talk a little bit more about the general benefits, but I am going to switch it up and talk a little bit about free kinder.

You see, once these 50 beautiful centres right across our state are built they will allow Victorian families greater access to another terrific Allan Labor government policy – free kinder. Free kinder is a staple policy of the Allan Labor government, with the Best Start, Best Life policy being a life-changing platform that will provide enormous benefits for all across our state. The free kinder program that is included in the Best Start, Best Life policy will see Victorian children aged three and four have the opportunity to access free kinder at both standalone sessional kinder and the long day childcare centres.

This policy is not just good for the littlest learners and the littlest Victorians; this policy will save Victorian families an average of $2500 a year per child. And that bears repeating to the members of this chamber before us. That is $2500 a year per child. This policy of free kinder recognises the immense financial relief it provides to families. The burden of education costs can be daunting for parents, but with the free kinder policy in place families can breathe easier knowing that their children are receiving a high-quality education without the hefty and heavy price tag. This not only empowers parents but creates an environment where financial stress does not get in the way of a family’s learning journey.

The free kinder policy is a testament to the Allan Labor government’s vision, where every child’s potential is valued and is nurtured. It embodies the belief that investing in education is investing in our collective future. We are sowing the seeds of progress, ensuring that our state continues to prosper for many, many generations to come. It is just another way that the Allan Labor government is delivering for Victorians and in fact doing what really matters. Looking after the future generations is a commitment that the Allan Labor government will be delivering with the policies that I am discussing today as part of our Best Start, Best Life reforms. It is no wonder that this government is committed to such a significant increase in the early childhood sector and childcare sector. These are some quite extraordinary statistics I need to reaffirm here – for every dollar invested in early childhood education, Australia as a nation receives two dollars back over a child’s life through their higher productivity and earning capacity and reduced government spending on health, welfare and, well, later, crime. This policy just makes sense.

This would not be possible without all of the incredible early childhood educators around Victoria who set up our kids for the best start in life. I also want to mention the United Workers Union, the union for early childhood education, for all that they do campaigning for a better sector and for better rights for workers in this state, because there is, and should be, enormous dignity in providing for the future of the youngest Victorians, and these workers do just that. You see, free kinder programs for all three- ‍and four-year-old children at participating services began at the beginning of this year. Four-year-old kindergarten will transition to what we are calling pre-prep over the next decade. It will then become a universal 30-hour-a-week program of play-based learning available to every four-year-old child in Victoria over the next decade. Establishing these 50 new government-owned and affordable early learning centres is just such an incredible piece. But let me just say there is, under free kinder, a $270 million program where up to 140,000 children have gone this year into free kinder, saving those families, as I said, $2500 per child each year. More than 2750 services across Victoria are offering free kinder this year – isn’t that an incredible statistic! – and for those that want to see the percentage, that is in fact 97 per cent across the state.

Now, there is more to be said. Free kinder is available at both long day care centres and in sessional kindergartens. Families will not be out of pocket, and they will not have to claim the savings back, which we know can be a burden for families. Participating kindergarten programs will receive that funding directly from the government. We also know that families are struggling with the cost of living right now, and we absolutely appreciate that. Free kinder will make sure that no child misses out. Over the next decade four-year-old kindergarten will transition to pre-prep. This universal 30 hours, as I have mentioned, of pre-prep will be delivered through sessional kindergartens and long day care centres. It is a high-quality program that gives four-year-old children greater opportunities to socialise and learn through play. Like kindergarten, pre-prep will provide greater opportunities for children to develop skills that set them up for life.

Pre-prep will be rolled out progressively, starting in regional Victoria, and isn’t that a wonderful thing? From 2025 pre-prep will commence in regional Victoria in Ararat rural city, Gannawarra shire, Hindmarsh shire, Murrindindi shire, Northern Grampians shire and Yarriambiack shire. More local government areas, or LGAs, will roll out each year, with families in metropolitan Melbourne – my part of the world – able to access up to 20 hours of pre-prep from 2030. All children – and that is all children across the state – will have access to 30 hours of pre-prep from the year 2032. The rollout will also give early access in 2026 to Aboriginal children and vulnerable children no matter where they live across the state. Disadvantaged children whose parents hold a Commonwealth concession card will have access from the year 2028. This staged rollout allows time to grow the workforce and deliver the infrastructure required to deliver this life-changing program.

Child care has not been working, frankly, for working families – the fees are high, and they hurt – and many families have to weigh up the financial impact of going back to work. In some communities there is just a shortage of places. That is why these 50 centres are growing. They are going to be owned by the government, and where possible they will be co-located with schools to avoid the double drop-off. But also importantly, and it is worth exploring here, they will be alongside hospitals, TAFEs and major employers to create convenient access for working parents.

With 90 per cent of a child’s brain developed before the age of five, early education has a life-changing impact on our children’s development. Free kinder will ease the burden and the cost of living for Victorian families, and our reforms, as I have said, will give primary carers – predominantly women, and we know that to be the case – the opportunity to get back into the workforce. Currently, lack of access to childcare and early childhood education takes almost 26,000 women entirely out of the workforce in Victoria. There has been independent analysis to come to that fact from Deloitte, and that shows that Best Start, Best Life will boost Victoria’s workforce by up to 24,800 full-time employees and increase the state’s real gross state product by between $1.9 billion and $2.8 billion in the year 2032–33, which as you will recall is when that will be rolled out in its entirety. For every dollar invested in early childhood education we receive back $2.

One of the primary reasons why child care is crucial lies in its impact on early childhood development, and the formative years of children’s lives are categorised by this rapid brain development and the establishment of the fundamental cognitive skills. Quality childcare environments provide stimulating activities and experiences that contribute to the development of neural pathways, laying the foundations for lifelong learning. A nurturing and enriching childcare setting can enhance a child’s cognitive abilities, language skills and problem-solving capabilities. Can I just give a shout-out to all of the early learning centres and kindergartens across our state that do operate language programs. I know that they are very valued by families and particularly valued by bilingual and multilingual families in our state. I have had the chance to visit some and see just how thriving and welcomed they are in the communities in which they exist.

I want to go on. I will say that there is a real role for child care in breaking the cycles of inequality. Children from diverse backgrounds, including those facing economic challenges or belonging to some of our most marginalised communities, benefit immensely from early childhood education and care. Providing equal access to quality childcare opportunities ensures that all children regardless of their status have a fair start in life, which not only promotes social justice but also contributes to a more inclusive and equitable society. Child care is not merely a service, and that is worth saying, but it is really the cornerstone of human development and progress for us as a society. Its impact reverberates across generations, influencing the trajectory of individual lives and contributing to the wellbeing and prosperity of communities. Recognising the importance of child care entails acknowledging its role in shaping the future, as the investments in the early years of a child’s life yield dividends that extend far beyond the boundaries of childhood.

Perhaps while I am here, I will give a shout-out to Tootgarook kinder, where I went and learned a great deal of things.

I will say first and foremost child care provides a structured and nurturing environment where children can engage in age-appropriate activities that stimulate their cognitive development. Early exposure to educational activities, social interactions and guided play foster the acquisition of these essential skills, laying the groundwork for future academic success. Quality childcare settings offer a rich tapestry of experiences that not only promote learning but cultivate curiosity, creativity and a love of exploration. Certainly I have got to say the sandpits of our kindergartens do encourage that many, many times indeed.

Beyond academic prowess, child care plays a crucial role in the emotional development of children. The relationships formed with caregivers and peers during these early years contribute to the development of emotional intelligence and of course resilience. A secure and supportive childcare environment provides children with a safe space to express themselves, learn to navigate social interactions and develop a positive self-image. These emotional skills serve as a bedrock for healthy relationships and effective coping mechanisms throughout their lives.

Social development is another cornerstone of child care’s importance. Interacting with peers in a structured setting helps children develop crucial social skills such as communication, cooperation and ‍– one that I have seen a few times – conflict resolution, which can only be a good thing. Learning to navigate social dynamics early on contributes to the formation of positive interpersonal relationships and a sense of community. These social skills not only enhance the quality of a child’s immediate experiences but also lay the groundwork for their ability to collaborate and contribute to society as they grow and mature.

A well-established and robust childcare infrastructure is crucial for numerous reasons. I have talked a little bit about early childhood development and workforce participation, but I have got to say the educational equality piece is certainly worth exploring more. Quality child care levels the playing field for children from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. It provides a common starting point and ensures that children regardless of their family circumstances have access to resources and experiences that set them up for success. There is the socialisation and emotional wellbeing, which I have discussed, the peace of mind, the economic impact, the long-term societal benefits but also gender equality. The truth is that good childcare infrastructure is integral to achieving gender equality in the workforce. It enables both mothers and fathers to balance their professional and family responsibilities. It challenges traditional gender roles and it fosters a more equitable society, and I can definitely get on board with that. A well-established childcare infrastructure is the cornerstone of societal progress.

I have got to say, there is so much to celebrate with the $14 billion transformation of Victoria’s early childhood sector. We are leading the nation with our Best Start, Best Life reform. This is once-in-a-generation leadership giving Victorian children the best start in life. As part of this reform, from this year free kinder has been rolled out for all three- and four-year-old children at participating services. And pre-prep – how good is that. There is a doubling of educational opportunities for children in the year before school.

I am delighted to be lucky enough to be involved in marking the completion of a range of these critical infrastructure projects right across our state, but the one that brings me joy is the time that I got to go to East Melbourne. East Melbourne was a pretty special day because I got to officially open the brand new kids kitchen at Powlett Reserve Children’s Centre and Kindergarten. Gosh, I have got to say it is pretty special watching the kids grow in the kitchen, learning to get creative and getting the best start they can.

This is a new upgrade. It is a pretty exciting space. It is being delivered in full by the Labor government. It is testament to our commitment to childhood education, and I like heading there and celebrating these incredible achievements. Not long after that I was at Yarra Park Children’s Centre and saw their incredible new playground – what a learning space that is. I saw the kids swarming all over it, loving every minute of it, and I have got to say it is an incredible success. These programs cannot work without incredible directors, and the executive director at the East Melbourne Childcare Co-operative Rebecca Vouch is as good as they come, just incredible. Thank you to her and her team for all that they do, ensuring the next generation have the very best start in life. Watching the parents and the sense of calm that comes over them when they drop their kids off there in the morning has been a pretty special opportunity.

I also want to take the time to express my deep appreciation for the community campaign to save the 18 ‍community-run early learning centres through the City of Darebin. I did in fact speak about that last sitting week. A community that are as powerful as they are really show that for those in Darebin child care is important, it is worth preserving, it is worth investing in and it is worth local government getting on board with. The state government is committed to expanding and growing our childcare sector, not cutting it back. I have had the good fortune of attending community events to say that very message with my colleagues the member for Northcote and the member for Preston in the other place and with Darebin councillor Emily Dimitriadis. We listened to these local parents, educators and the staff as they shared really emotional accounts of the devastating impacts that these proposed cuts would have on the community. I stand with them each and every day because, as I have said here, early childhood education is more than ABCs and 123s, it is about fostering creativity, instilling a love of learning and nurturing the values that shape responsible and compassionate citizens. What an incredible thing that is.

Pre-prep, kindergarten and long day care services are seeing an incredible once-in-a-generation reform. We should be enormously proud of our state, which is nation-leading in the work that we are doing. These centres right across our state, including the 50 new government-run centres, will deliver child care, kindergarten and eventually pre-prep, where possible, all on the one site, and what an enormous thing that will be. The changes this government makes are life changing, and this government will continue to work hard each and every day, and I thank you for the opportunity to talk about Best Start, Best Life.

Lee TARLAMIS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (17:18): I move:

That debate on this motion be adjourned until later this day.

Motion agreed to and debate adjourned until later this day.