The Abbott Government must rule out funding cuts to Victorian kindergartens that would see families lose 15 hours of kinder a week for their children.
Leaked details from the Abbott Government's Federation Green Paper have revealed the Liberals’ plans to walk away from kindergarten funding.
Instead of considering more cuts, the Abbott Government should be providing more certainty for families with young children by extending their funding commitment beyond just two years.
The Andrews Labor Government recently invested an extra $83.7 million to improve staff-to-child ratios in kindergartens and give children more one-on-one time with trained educators.
The Productivity Commission found that 15 hours of kinder is essential to supporting children’s development and improving school readiness, and recommended the Federal Government continue to provide funding.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos:
“Tony Abbott must rule out these cuts, because every child deserves the best start and every family deserves certainty and support.”
“Victorian families send this message to Mr Abbott: no more cuts, no more uncertainty, no more kinder surprises.”
“While the Labor Government is upgrading kinders and improving staff-to-child ratios, the Liberals only have a plan to cut more funds and leave more families in the lurch.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020