Point Cook electorate
Mathew HILAKARI (Point Cook) (14:37): (43) My constituency question is for the Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-prep in the other place. Minister, how is the Andrews Labor government supporting our children and families as they return to kindergarten in the electorate of Point Cook, which I represent? Research tells us that 90 per cent of a child’s brain develops before the age of five. That is why high-quality play-based education is critical for the development of the skills that we will see in our young people. My own son is about to enter – next year – kindergarten at year 3, and I really look forward to that. For my partner it gives the opportunity for her and for me to both attend work. So I am really thankful to this government for its involvement in the Best Start, Best Life reforms. It is so great to see a little young person a few years off kindergarten in front of us here. But I would appreciate any information the minister can provide on how the Labor government is supporting the community of Point Cook.