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March 2006 - 'A cheaper, simpler solution to many social ills is staring us in the face' |
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Ross Gittins, economics editor of The Sydney Morning Herald, has written about the overwhelming benefits of investing in early childhood.
(Click on the link above to read the full article.)
Background
Inspired by Professor James Heckman's recent visit to Australia, in which he spoke as keynote presenter at the NIFTeY 2006 conference, Prevention: Invest now or pay later, Gittens argues that government should invest more strongly in early childhood intervention.
'A cheaper, simpler solution to many social ills is staring us in the face, writes Ross Gittins.'
In his article 'Cast the die early and reap the rewards', Gittens writes:
If scientists discovered a cure that would reduce disadvantage, make a lot of people happier, foster economic growth and save the taxpayer a fortune, would our politicians embrace it with glad cries? Probably not. They'd pay lip service and set up a few pilot programs, but fall far short of fully exploiting the discovery's potential benefits.
How do I know? Because that's the way they've reacted to one of the most important discoveries of our times: the strategic significance of early childhood intervention.
Other recent news items
Nobel-winning economist: Invest more in early childhood
More information about Professor James Heckman's recent visit to Australia.
The case for investment in early childhood
Graham Vimpani, Head of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of Newcastle, argues that the early childhood field needs an increased profile and investment from the Government.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 28 March 2006 )
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