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Media release: Labor acknowledges need for greater early years investment |
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14 November 2007
Labor acknowledges need for greater early years investment
Early Childhood Australia, the leading national, non-government advocacy organisation
for children, has welcomed the acknowledgement by Labor that Australia is
'falling behind in early childhood education' due to having the lowest early years
investment in the developed world.
CEO of Early Childhood Australia, Pam Cahir, says that 'it's exciting to finally hear politicians acknowledge
what we've been saying all along—that, to date, there has been insufficient investment in the early
childhood field.'
'Kevin Rudd's announcement that Australia needs to increase its investment in the early years is a step in
the right direction. It has placed a framework around his earlier promises regarding early education.'
Early Childhood Australia has previously welcomed Labor's announcement of a 50 per cent child care rebate,
increased tertiary places and assistance with qualifications, and 15 hours per week guaranteed preschool
for four-year-olds.
'This is a recognition that Australia needs to up its investment in early childhood. However this is just the
beginning,' Ms Cahir said.
'What we need is vision and leadership to address the very real and serious problems facing early
childhood services today, and to build a quality system into the future. This includes the need for paid
parental leave, to give parents a real choice in deciding whether to stay at home with their newborn or
return to work.'
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 21 November 2007 )
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