NSW Greens Spokesperson for Early Childhood, Tamara Smith MP, has today called on the NSW Education Minister and the Premier of NSW to immediately implement recommendations from the yearlong ACCC Inquiry into the affordability of childcare in Australia by committing to rolling out universal free pre-schooling in every public school in NSW by 2030.
The ACCC’s report, available here, notes that the federal Labor government’s reforms had not been as effective as hoped, as “affordability benefits from changes to the Childcare Subsidy were quickly eroded by fee increases” from private providers.
The Childcare Inquiry’s final report makes eight recommendations and 31 findings, which are based on detailed analysis of cost and pricing data and extensive engagement with and feedback from childcare providers, educators, parents and guardians.
The Greens have backed in these recommendations and have also reiterated their calls for universal and free pre-schools in every public school in Australia.
In 2023, the NSW Labor government announced 100 new public preschools across the state, which was NSW Greens policy prior to the 2023 state election.
Ms Smith said, “The ACCC has been clear – our kids are at a disadvantage because governments are failing to provide accessible and affordable early education for children, particularly in regional areas. The report also highlights the fact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families are adversely impacted by the failures of the current system.”
“We know that the first 5 years of life are the most critical for children as their wonderful brains are developing and setting them up for success in life intellectually, emotionally, and socially. This report makes clear that socio economic factors are determining the quality of early learning available to children and that is unacceptable in a nation that prides itself on delivering world class public education.”
“So much of our childcare industry is privatised, which means the government’s attempts to ensure affordability haven’t worked in a vicious private market. Corporate profit margins are being put before setting every child in this country up for success,” said Ms Smith.
“Australia is lagging behind other OECD countries when it comes to early-childhood education. Both federal and state Labor governments need to act to implement the ACCC inquiry’s recommendations and ensure that pre-school is universally available and free.”
