Media Releases

As the voice for parents and early learning service providers, ELAA often comments on sector issues and events. Search our media releases.

May

19

Future generations will thank the Productivity Commission if it ‘gets it right’ on early childhood

All Australian children do not have equal access to early education.  

Despite a wealth of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) service providers and funding models across Australia, not every child and family can access what they need to thrive. Indeed, the current system is overly complex and difficult for families to navigate.  

In its submission to the Australian Productivity Commission, Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) has asked that the Government prioritise access and participation by simplifying systems and supporting families to enrol in ECEC.   

CLICK HERE to download our media release.

Apr

30

ELAA recommends action on national early learning masterplan

Currently, there is no overarching national strategy to support the early years in Australia – no plan to ensure all Australian children have the same access to the best quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) and no plan to harness the evidence-based benefits of quality early childhood education for all children, families, society, and the economy.

Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) has joined the national response to bridge this gap through a submission to the Commonwealth Government’s ‘Early Years Strategy’.

CLICK to read our full media release

Apr

03

New Vic early years infrastructure announcement presents significant opportunities

The Victorian Government has announced significant infrastructure assistance for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services with the release of new funding guidelines over the weekend. This assistance will take services another step closer to realising the benefits of the Government’s $9 billion ‘Best Start Best Life’ kindergarten reform program. 

Key elements of the infrastructure assistance announcement include …

CLICK to read the full media release.

Mar

31

Enrolment data shows Vic bucking the trend on kinder

Early Learning Association of Australia (ELAA) welcomes the latest release of the Preschool Australia statistics.

The statistics reveal how many children were enrolled in, and attended, teacher led government funded early childhood education programs (called kindergarten in Victoria) in the year before they attend school.

Overall kindergarten enrolments in Victoria increased by over two percent between 2021 and 2022, bucking the national trend of a decline in kindergarten enrolments.

CLICK to read the full media release.

Jan

30

Three things we can do to make early childhood education and care fairer

In our 2023-24 pre-Budget Submission we have appealed to the Australian Government to make access to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) fairer by doing three things.

CLICK HERE the full media release.

Dec

02

Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill will make early childhood sector stronger

“The passing of the Bill marks another step forward for early childhood educators toward pay and conditions that reflect their skills, professionalism and the fact that they are such critical influences on the futures of Australian children,” said ELAA Director Advocacy and Member solutions, Megan O’Connell.

CLICK HERE READ THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE

For an interview contact James Gardener on 0413 483 182 or jgardener@elaa.org.au

Dec

02

Volunteers still the backbone of early learning services

The 2022 winner of the anzuk Early Childhood Volunteer of the Year Award, Paul Cortissos, is one of thousands of volunteers who give significant amounts of time to ensuring community-run Early Childhood Education and Care services deliver high quality learning and care to our children. Their roles can involve everything from HR Manager, accountant, marketer, fundraiser, IT Manager and communications to maintenance, gardener and general voice of calm and assurance.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE

For an interview contact James Gardener on 0413 483 182 or jgardener@elaa.org.au

Nov

27

ELAA congratulates the incoming Andrews government in Victoria

With the result of the 2022 Victorian election now clear, Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) would like to congratulate the Australian Labor Party on forming a government.

“We are especially committed to representing our members to the new government on key matters such as ensuring our sector has the skilled and rewarded workforce required to deliver on key ECEC reforms such as free kindergarten, cheaper childcare, and the roll out of 30 hours of Pre-Prep in Victoria over the next decade,” said ELAA Acting CEO, Megan O’Connell.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE

For an interview contact James Gardener on 03 94893500 (Option 7) or call 0413 483 182

Oct

27

Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill is a welcome start

Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) warmly welcomes the introduction of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022. The legislation, introduced today, provides a range of flexibilities to improve the capacity of employers and employees to strike enterprise agreements

“We’re pleased that the government is making it easier for employers to raise pay and conditions of for their workforce,” said ELAA Acting CEO, Megan O’Connell.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE

For an interview contact James Gardener on 03 94893500 (Option 7)

Oct

25

Budget delivers for families, but more needed on early years workforce

The ALP’s first Federal Budget in almost ten years reflects the need to support working parents but it falls short of resourcing a key driver of workforce participation – supporting educators to deliver affordable, high quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC).

“However, we are concerned, in the absence of significant investment in the ECEC workforce including initiatives to retain current staff, early childhood services will not be able to expand to provide the additional early childhood education and care,” said Early Learning Association Australia’s (ELAA) Acting CEO, Megan O’Connell.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE ATTACHED.

For an interview contact James Gardener on 03 94893500 (Option 7)

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