❓ Opposition questions the government's commitment to early childhood development following concerning AEDC results, citing a lack of funding for child and parent centres. The Minister defends the government's record, highlighting new initiatives and existing partnerships.
AnsweredQoN 234Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Australian Early Development Census
234. Mr Liam Staltari to
the Minister for Early Childhood:
Thank you, Mr
Speaker. My apologies. I think we on this side were surprised by the lack of
questions from the government!
I refer to the
results of the 2024 Australian Early Development Census, which have revealed
that under this government nearly one in four WA children are now classed as
developmentally vulnerable when they start school—a 25% spike in six
years. How much of this deterioration does the minister attribute to the
government's failure to fund child and parent centres, with the government
adding only one to the 21 operated under the former Liberal–National
government?
234. Mr Liam Staltari to
the Minister for Early Childhood:
Thank you, Mr
Speaker. My apologies. I think we on this side were surprised by the lack of
questions from the government!
I refer to the
results of the 2024 Australian Early Development Census, which have revealed
that under this government nearly one in four WA children are now classed as
developmentally vulnerable when they start school—a 25% spike in six
years. How much of this deterioration does the minister attribute to the
government's failure to fund child and parent centres, with the government
adding only one to the 21 operated under the former Liberal–National
government?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member
for the question. Members, it is quite amazing. I was first appointed Minister
for Early Childhood Education back in December 2022 and this is the first-ever
question I have had on this subject in all that time. It is really fantastic
that we have got a belated interest in early childhood from those opposite. By
contrast, of course, we have had a strong interest in early childhood education
and early childhood development over a long period of time. We had it as a
priority in the previous government and we certainly have in this term of government.
I am very proud to lead that work on behalf of the Premier and this government.
We know that the earliest years in a child's life are critically important. That
is why we have a number of measures in this budget, which the Treasurer will
bring down in a moment, that reinforce our commitment and priority to this
important work.
In terms of the AEDC
data, it is a population set of data, a critically important dataset to drive
policy and investment, not only in this state, but around the country. That is
exactly what this government is doing. I take the opportunity to highlight a
few things from some $40 million that is in this year's budget alone. We are
establishing the Office of Early Childhood. We are trialling full-time, free
kindy in 10 locations around the state. We are also of course, importantly, boosting
out-of-school-hours care for kids around the state, which we know is so
important in supporting children and families. Of course, members, for those
who were in here in the previous term of government, let us not underscore the
importance of a particular initiative of government. I am talking about the Early
Years Partnership with Minderoo. That Early Years Partnership with Minderoo sees
some $36 million invested specifically into four communities: Derby, Bidyadanga,
Katanning—the member for Roe would know—and also in Armadale.
It is all focused on listening to and working with communities about what
supports they need to drive development of children from zero to four. There
are incredible projects happening right around the state, informed by evidence
and supporting young children's development. I am very proud of that program. Can
I reassure members that it is one side of politics that has a focus on early
childhood and that is this Cook Labor government.
The Speaker: Members, that concludes question time.
Sitting suspended from 1:01 pm to 2:00 :00 pm
for the question. Members, it is quite amazing. I was first appointed Minister
for Early Childhood Education back in December 2022 and this is the first-ever
question I have had on this subject in all that time. It is really fantastic
that we have got a belated interest in early childhood from those opposite. By
contrast, of course, we have had a strong interest in early childhood education
and early childhood development over a long period of time. We had it as a
priority in the previous government and we certainly have in this term of government.
I am very proud to lead that work on behalf of the Premier and this government.
We know that the earliest years in a child's life are critically important. That
is why we have a number of measures in this budget, which the Treasurer will
bring down in a moment, that reinforce our commitment and priority to this
important work.
In terms of the AEDC
data, it is a population set of data, a critically important dataset to drive
policy and investment, not only in this state, but around the country. That is
exactly what this government is doing. I take the opportunity to highlight a
few things from some $40 million that is in this year's budget alone. We are
establishing the Office of Early Childhood. We are trialling full-time, free
kindy in 10 locations around the state. We are also of course, importantly, boosting
out-of-school-hours care for kids around the state, which we know is so
important in supporting children and families. Of course, members, for those
who were in here in the previous term of government, let us not underscore the
importance of a particular initiative of government. I am talking about the Early
Years Partnership with Minderoo. That Early Years Partnership with Minderoo sees
some $36 million invested specifically into four communities: Derby, Bidyadanga,
Katanning—the member for Roe would know—and also in Armadale.
It is all focused on listening to and working with communities about what
supports they need to drive development of children from zero to four. There
are incredible projects happening right around the state, informed by evidence
and supporting young children's development. I am very proud of that program. Can
I reassure members that it is one side of politics that has a focus on early
childhood and that is this Cook Labor government.
The Speaker: Members, that concludes question time.
Sitting suspended from 1:01 pm to 2:00 :00 pm
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