The release of a final Productivity Commission report today promises early educators a long-hoped for goal is within reach: a universal early childhood education and care system, United Workers Union said today.
“In recommending universal care the Productivity Commission is recognising the importance of early childhood education and care to young Australians’ lives,” Carolyn Smith, United Workers Union early education director, said today.
“Unions and the Productivity Commission don’t always see eye to eye, but we support the final report’s recognition of the importance of early education in transforming young people’s lives.
“Giving every child in Australia access to three days a week of high-quality early learning and care is a goal that will pay dividends for children, families and their communities.
“While the report accepts the importance of universal early childhood education and care, we believe that merely extending the existing Child Care Subsidy is not the most effective method of providing widely-accessible early education, and further examination of this issue is required.
“What this report also makes clear is that the Federal Government’s recent decision to lift educators’ wages is not happening in isolation.
“The wage rise provides the foundation of universal care by ensuring the sector can attract and retain the necessary workforce.
“You can’t have high-quality early childhood education and care if you have exhausted educators who can’t wait to leave the sector.
“The 15 per cent pay rise gives educators some relief and gives children and families the confidence that providers can offer the high-quality services families need.
“The Productivity Commission report shows the rich dividends available for Australian children and the Australian economy from investing in the sector.
“Importantly the report also shows that areas of market failure – the prevalence of so-called ‘childcare deserts’, particularly in regional areas – can only be addressed by targeted Federal Government funding and intervention.
“Adopting these reforms will help direct early childhood education and care resources to disadvantaged and vulnerable communities, and give children in those communities the best chance of getting a head start in life.”