By Rowan Forster
The head of Cardinia Lakes Early Learning Centre has lashed the Turnbull Government’s “savage” cuts to kindergarten.
Tamika Hicks flagged the devastating effects of the shock $440 million cut, claiming families across the region will no longer have affordable access to early education opportunities.
“I value early learning and that I want all Australian children, particularly those in the LaTrobe electorate to have the chance to go to kindergarten for two years before they start school,” she said.
“I’m really concerned about the Turnbull Government’s plans to stop funding Universal Access as had been reported for June 2020.“A cut like this makes it more likely that parents will have to pay for kindergarten, and when families can’t afford it, their children won’t have access to getting the best start to their education.”
Under the National Partnership Agreement (NPA) on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education, Victorian children aged four receive 15 hours of kinder each week.
Previously unreported lines in the budget show that the NPA is due to “conclude” on 30 June 2020.
“Research shows that universal access to Kindergarten is vital for every child before starting formal schooling,” Ms Hicks said.
On Thursday, federal Labor candidate for LaTrobe Simon Curtis and state Labor candidates Jordan Crugnale and Michael Galea attended the centre, signing the Australian Education Union’s pledge for two years of funded kinder.
Mr Curtis, a teacher at Berwick College, stressed the importance of having accessible, funded kindergarten for a child’s development.
He said 1600 families will be disadvantaged in the seat of LaTrobe alone.
“It’s going to put families under a lot of financial stress, trying to get their children access to early education,” he said.
“Unfortunately a lot of them won’t be able to afford it and they will simply miss out.
“There is so much research that shows the positive benefits of a quality, universal preschool program.
“Kinder shouldn’t be a privilege that only the most fortunate have access to.”
Australian Education Union Federal (AEU) president Correna Haythorpe says Malcolm Turnbull has ignored the needs and wants of the public by delivering a budget which benefits big business, instead of delivering fairer funding for public schools.
“Malcolm Turnbull has abandoned students in public schools who need additional support in the classroom,” Ms Haythorpe said.
“A government that can find $65 billion for corporate tax cuts can surely find the funding required to ensure every child gets a high quality education.”
