The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has welcomed the Federal Government’s funding boost of $840 million nationally for the continuation of 15 hours of kindergarten for the next two years.
MAV President, Councillor Bill McArthur said councils across Victoria had spoken with one voice over the last year with continued advocacy through the MAV’s kindergartens campaign.
“Councils should be proud of their achievements over the last 12 months, and can now breathe a sigh of relief with the announcement of this vital funding.
“This funding will ensure that all four-year-olds can access 15 hours of kindergarten to prepare them for the following school year.”
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 was set to end in December.
Of the $840 million about a quarter will go directly to Victoria, and for the first time the funding will be indexed against the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
“This is a fantastic result for communities across Australia.
“We have fought long and hard for this funding, and it’s pleasing to see the Federal Government guarantee a period of certainty for communities and councils.
“The CPI indexation of the funding is also welcomed.
“The MAV and councils have worked tirelessly with the State Government to jointly advocate for Commonwealth funding.
“We would like to thank Victorian Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos for her dedication, and Federal Minister for Education Christopher Pyne, and Minister for Social Services, Scott Morrison, for recognising the positive impact this funding has on families.
“Without this funding parents were at risk of exorbitant fee increases of up to 100 percent, or poorer learning outcomes for their children.
“We didn’t want to see Victoria’s children left behind, so this funding is not only welcome, it’s imperative to our future generations.
“In February we ramped up our advocacy efforts, following the Productivity Commission’s report into Childcare and Early Childhood Learning, which supported continued Commonwealth investment in preschool programs.
“It’s pleasing to see the report’s findings did not fall on deaf ears.
“The two years of funding is a great start, and we will continue to work with all levels of government to ensure longevity.
“We are also committed to working towards adequate funding allocation so we can meet future challenges including population growth, and the new ratio requirement under the National Quality Framework.
“This funding will hopefully complement any announcement by the Federal Government around its families package, expected in next week’s budget.”
Victorian local councils own $2 billion (1,094 or 83 percent) worth of community kindergarten facilities and have invested $300 million in the last four years to get buildings ready for the national 15-hours reforms.
Thirty councils deliver kinder programs.
