Opposition Leader McGowan questions the Premier about funding cuts to early childhood education (kindergarten to year 3), citing expert advice on the importance of early years development. The Premier defends the government's record, highlighting past investments and criticising the Labor Party's inaction.

AnsweredQoN 837Legislative Assembly
Asked
26 November 2013
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
837. Mr M. McGOWAN to the Premier:
I have a supplementary question.
Given that virtually every early childhood and education expert says that there
needs to be more resources and effort in the early years of education, will the
Premier reconsider those funding cuts in the crucial years from kindergarten to
year 3, when children's brains are developing and they need extra
support?

AnswerView source ↗

I remind the house that this side of
politics addressed early childhood education after reports came out in the
1990s about the neglect of early childhood education. At massive expense, the
Liberal–National government in the 1990s introduced preprimary and
kindergarten education across the board. Do not come in here and talk about
early childhood education; it is a bit rich for a Labor Party that, after all
the reports recommending an emphasis on early childhood education, did not do
anything. We have increased our funding for and have been leaders in early
childhood education.
Mr
P.B. Watson interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I call you to order for the first time.

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