A significant expansion of access to early childhood education and care should only occur with a clear commitment to quality in the sector, United Workers Union said today.
In the Australian Financial Review today, the Albanese Labor Government was reportedly considering introducing a daily flat fee of between $10 and $20 for children to access quality early childhood education and care.
A flat fee and removal of requirements for parents to be in work would greatly expand access to early childhood education and care that is currently significantly more expensive for parents.
“If there is a once-in-a-lifetime commitment to reform early education and care, it should not be done at the expense of quality in the sector,” United Workers Union Early Education Director Carolyn Smith said today.
“It’s clear the Albanese Labor Government’s 15 per cent pay rise for educators is a crucial step to attract and retain the passionate, committed workforce that families and their children need at services.
“We can see that a pay rise for educators and bold steps towards universal early education are two sides of the same coin – you can’t have one without the other.
“It is also clear that any steps towards universal early education should see early education as a public good that is part of the education system as a whole.
“United Workers Union has the consistent position that early education should be seen as a key component of our public education system, and the Federal Government should embrace this path as part of these reforms.
“It’s only by reforms that allow Governments to take responsibility for early education and care that parents and children can receive the level of quality they deserve.”
“We can and should make early learning more affordable and accessible for families but let’s not squander the opportunity for true and long-lasting reform of our education system, starting in the early years.”
Legislation to lift the pay of early educators by 15 per cent – in two stages of 10 per cent in December this year and 5 per cent in December next year – is currently before Federal Parliament.
ENDS
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