Media Release
25 May 2023
The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) commends the Queensland Government for considering Free Kindy for 15 hours per week for every 4-year-old child across Queensland. ELACCA supports the removal of cost barriers to enable every Queensland 4-year-old access to a quality early learning program in the year before formal schooling.
The government’s consideration to invest $1 billion over five years would represent a significant step towards providing equitable early learning experiences for every child in the state, and opportunities for improved education, health and wellbeing outcomes for life.
CEO of ELACCA Elizabeth Death applauded the Queensland Government’s commitment to early education.
“We commend the Queensland Government for considering these steps to ensure that every child has the opportunity to benefit from quality early learning.
“By offering free kindy, the government would not only support children’s development but also alleviate financial burden for families by making early learning more accessible for all.”
Currently, approximately 8,000 children in the state do not have access to kindergarten.
The government’s free kindy policy ensures that these children, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances, will have the opportunity to participate in an educational program.
ELACCA recognises the Queensland Government’s commitment to providing an inclusive early childhood education system that supports every child’s learning and development.
Ends.
For more information please contact:
Sally Maddison
Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA)
PO Box 348
Annandale NSW 2038
Mob: 0498 228 762
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 19 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 1,984 long day care services, 310 preschool/kindergarten services and 92 OSHC services, covering every state and territory. They offer one-quarter of all the long day care places in Australia. Together, our members serve 369,776 children and their families, and employ more than 56,708 staff.
As well as promoting the value of quality early learning and the need for greater public investment, ELACCA advocates for the right of all children to access quality early learning and care, particularly children facing disadvantage. We do this by drawing on the knowledge and practical experience of our members and representing their views to decision makers in government, the media and the public.
