April 17th, 2024
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The following text is lifted from an ACA Media Release - Wednesday 26th October 2022:
Australia’s peak body for early learning (childcare) commends the Albanese Government for its first ever Federal Budget. It fulfilled its pre-election commitments to families by making affordable early learning services one of its key priorities.
The Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) President, Mr Paul Mondo, said the government recognises the immediate need for affordable access to high-quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), with accessibility and affordability being a key factor in both parents returning to work for many Australian families.
“Increasing the rate of the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a really positive outcome for Australian families who are already struggling with the rising cost of living,” Mr Mondo explained.
“But we are concerned that this significant investment by the government could be negated if we can’t meet the increase in demand due to a critical shortage of educators.”
Mr Mondo said the additional funding for early childhood degree places and fee-free TAFE and vocational education places, announced by the Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP, was a critical first step in expanding the early learning workforce and meeting the needs of the sector.
“There are, however, further opportunities to attract and retain early childhood educators and teachers to ensure the successful implementation of these measures.
“ACA has long been advocating that affordability for families and workforce shortages are the most pressing issues facing our sector Australia-wide, so we are extremely grateful that these concerns have been recognised and the funding is now locked in to address these issues over the coming months.”
“We will continue to work directly with the Australian Government on policies that support accessibility and affordability for families, while at the same time providing the critical support needed to build a strong supply of highly skilled early childhood educators and teachers,” Mr Mondo concluded.
Media enquiries: ACA President, Mr Paul Mondo 0411 587 170 or ACA Vice President, Ms Nesha Hutchinson 0412 085 068
PUBLISHED: 26 OCTOBER 2022
SOURCE: ACA Media Release - Wednesday 26th October 2022
