Media release
4 June 2024
The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) has welcomed $501m investment from the Queensland Government through the release of the Putting Queensland Kids First: Giving our kids the opportunity of a lifetime plan.
‘We congratulate Premier Miles and Minister Farmer on developing and delivering this important plan, informed by consultation with the community and experts all across the early years sector, including ELACCA and our members’ said ELACCA CEO Elizabeth Death.
ELACCA commends investment in holistic support for children in their first five years, including increased early childhood health and development checks, and increasing kindy hours in targeted communities.
ELACCA particularly welcomes:
• $26.23 million to extend free kindy hours up to 30 hours per week in discrete communities
• $29.86 million for Early Childhood Coordinators within existing child, family and community services
Early childhood education and care is the backbone of the early years, but it requires strong collaboration across government agencies, including health, disability and family support systems.
ELACCA looks forward to continuing to work with the Queensland Government to implement these initiatives and help ensure every child receive the support they need to achieve their potential.
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For more information please contact:
Sally Maddison
Early Learning and Care Council of Australia
PO Box 348
Annandale NSW 2038
Mob: 0499 306 794
About us:
The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) was established to promote the value of quality early learning and care as an integral part of Australia’s education system. Our 18 CEO members include some of the largest early learning providers in the country, representing both not-for-profit and for-profit services. ELACCA members operate 2,011 long day care services, 370 preschool/kindergarten services and 92 OSHC services, covering every state and territory. They offer one-quarter of all the early learning places in Australia. Together, our members serve 369,776 children and their families, and employ more than 56,000 staff.
