Thursday, 30 May 2024

Members statements

Early childhood education

Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Education, Minister for Medical Research) (09:37): An investment in kinder is an investment in our future. It is well established that investments in children’s learning and development at the earliest years in life are among the highest returns that can be made in education. Consistent and attentive care in the early years will ensure safe and stimulating child care. That is why the Allan Labor government’s Best Start, Best Life is nation-leading reform providing free three- and four-year-old kindergarten – it is all about being the Education State – and lifelong learning beginning in early childhood extending all the way through to a person’s career.

I had the great pleasure of joining the mayor of Moonee Valley last month to announce that five kindergartens around the Niddrie electorate will be upgraded, providing over 500 new kindergarten places. You have got Airport West on McNamara Avenue, where yours truly went to kindergarten; Milleara Gardens in Keilor East; Montgomery Park in Essendon – the member for Essendon is here; Lincolnville kinder in Keilor East; and Coronation kinder in Ascot Vale in the member for Essendon’s electorate, because we know to make sure children thrive later in life you have got to provide that early investment in the first 2000 days. Three- and four-year-old kinder, groundbreaking pre-prep reform, sets our young people up for life to ensure they can go through prep well prepared, primary school and secondary school and in the Education State choose their pathway through record investment in the university sector or TAFE and go on and live a life of purpose.