The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has welcomed the Productivity Commission (PC) report into Childcare and Early Childhood Learning, which supports continued Commonwealth investment in preschool programs.
MAV Chief Executive Officer, Rob Spence said the report has recognised that universal access to preschool in the year before a child starts primary school is a key measure for ensuring successful learning and development in the early years.
“We particularly welcome the Commission’s recommendation that Federal Government funding for early childhood education and care should be combined and directed towards three priority areas, including the kindergarten universal access program.
“Under the current National Partnership Agreement on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education, the State Government funds 10 hours of kindergarten and the Commonwealth funds the additional five hours.
“Their commitment to fund five hours is currently set to end in December.
“In line with the PC’s recommendation, we are hopeful that the Australian Government will provide long-term funding certainty for the additional five hours of preschool introduced under 2013 universal national reforms.”
New data collated by the MAV from Victorian councils shows that 1,200 council owned facilities provide funded kindergarten programs and maternal and child health at a total value of $1.8 billion.
Victorian communities currently contribute 35 percent of the cost of preschool through fees, fundraising and local government support, with $300 million of ratepayer funds invested by councils over the past four years to support delivery of 15 hours of kindergarten.
Mr Spence said accessible and affordable kindergarten and childcare options require continued shared investment from all levels of government.
“In line with our ongoing advocacy to the Commonwealth and submission to the PC inquiry, we are pleased to see the proposal of one collapsed parent subsidy paid direct to centres.
“Recognition of the role of integrated services and schools in provision of early learning and care is also welcome.
“We support the report’s recommendation to provide additional resources for services and families with highly disadvantaged children, including where there are viability issues for small rural services, but reinforce that this funding must be ongoing.
“Other positive recommendations include the State retaining responsibility for preschools with Commonwealth funding support, and continuing to research optimum hours for kindergarten; in our submission we lobbied for a minimum of 15 hours.
“The MAV and councils have continually fought for the retention and extension of an adaptable National Quality Framework to all Commonwealth funded services, which is also recommended by the PC.
“This report is a positive step for councils, communities and children nationwide, and we urge the Federal Government to adopt and implement these constructive recommendations for the benefit of all families.”
