06 AprSuccessful pre-election forum
On Tuesday 5 April, Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA), Community Child Care Association (CCC), and Community Early Learning Australia (CELA) and came together to host an Education and Care Pre-Election Forum and share our 6 Point Plan for the future of the sector.
With over 120 people in attendance, we heard a range of different ambitions from across the political spectrum. All parties acknowledged the benefits of education and care and expressed a desire to invest in the future of our sector.
Via a statement, the Acting Minister for Education and Youth from the Liberal Party of Australia, the Honourable Stuart Robert reflected on the issues faced in education and care. He shared the government’s record in improving access and inclusion and highlighted new initiatives to reduce childcare costs for families with multiple children.
Labor Party Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education and Development, Amanda Rishworth, and, Senator for the Australian Greens, Mehreen Faruqi explored the vital role played by the sector during the pandemic. Both Rishworth and Faruqi committed to supporting women to work, whilst ensuring all children have the right to high-quality education and care.
Over the course of the evening, we polled our members to get an understanding of the change they want to see implemented across the sector. Of those in attendance, 43% shared that education and care will play a large role in determining their vote. A further 20% shared it is the main issue that will determine their vote in the 2022 federal election.
Whilst priorities varied among members, more than half the audience (56%) acknowledged that there was more work to be done to ensure education and care get the focus it deserves.
Take a look at our 6-point plan by CLICKING HERE
