Page 3602 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 18 August 2010
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The CEO of this organisation has said:
… we should be looking at any increases in cost as an investment rather than a cost. Evidence accepted by the Organisation for Economic Development shows that high quality ECEC is positive for the nation’s economy and overall productivity now and into the future.
Investing in quality childcare is proven to be good for the future of our kids—but also good for the nation.
These are formative years for our children. The care and education they receive in these years is a crucial aspect of their development and learning.
Children that have received quality ECEC are generally better educated, healthier and happier adults who are less likely to be involved in the criminal justice and welfare systems in the future.
ECA welcomed the National Reform Agenda put forward by the government and endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments last year.
Commitments from the government to improve staff-to-child ratios for all children including babies and to support childcare workers in increasing their qualifications over time are crucial to achieving acceptable standards of quality care for all children, said Ms Cahir.
And the final sentence in this release says:
Some services have actually already started implementing aspects of the reform agenda on their own terms and without the increases in cost predicted by some.
I notice there is not a single member of the opposition—that is, the Liberal Party—in the building at this time. They could be in the building, but they are certainly not here in the chamber. So I would direct Mrs Dunne to go to the Early Childhood Australia website and have a look at what the sector, the experts, those that actually care for our children, have to say about the benefits of early childcare reform.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
The Assembly adjourned at 9.18 pm.
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