The federal government should make childcare cheaper to help struggling families, The Parenthood’s CEO Jessica Rudd has told the National Press Club & National Rural Press Club in Canberra, as part of a call for reform of the early childhood education and care sector.
"At The Parenthood, our vision is clear: every child, irrespective of background or location, deserves the chance to flourish through access to top-tier early childhood education. It's not merely about education; it's about building the bedrock of a just and prosperous society," asserted Jessica Rudd.
Addressing the political and economic landscape, Jessica Rudd acknowledged the government's commitment to universal early childhood education and care. However, she raised concerns about potential challenges and stressed the importance of staying true to this vision.
“Reforming early childhood education is legacy material. It’s a reform that will deliver immediate benefits for families on cost of living, but it is also a reform that will build our future capability. It’s an investment in the leaders of tomorrow.”
“Australia should be the best place in the world to be a parent and raise a child. We are the country of Bluey, for goodness sake. We have mangoes and verandahs, the oldest continuing cultures in the world. We are resilient and diverse; vast and bold,” said Jessica Rudd.
Highlighting last week's report from the Productivity Commission, Jessica Rudd discussed the flaws in the current activity test – which requires parents to work or study for at least 30 hours a week in order to get the childcare subsidy - and the urgent need for workforce reforms in the early childhood education sector.
“The Activity Test is a policy lemon which eight consecutive specialist reports have told us. We don’t need another report before the Government fixes it once and for all. This could be done today, but should be done by the next budget at least.”
Australia is currently grappling with a severe workforce crisis in the early childhood education sector, as the number of monthly reported vacancies surpasses a significant milestone, exceeding 8,000 for the first time ever. There are more than 20,000 vacancies in the sector overall.
“There is no early childhood education without early childhood educators. Many early educators are deciding to leave because they can’t afford to stay. Australia can’t afford to lose them.
“When I started doing this job, I was shocked to learn that a Cert III qualified early childhood educator takes home $500 less a week than an entry-level bricky labourer. Almost 97% of early childhood educators and teachers are women. 100% of them need a pay rise.”
Rudd concluded her address by expressing hope for a future where Australia is recognised as the best place in the world to be a parent and raise a child, urging the government to remain steadfast in its commitment to early childhood education and care reform.
“The government is right to have an audacious goal of universal quality childcare, like Medicare, like superannuation. It's worth fighting for,” said Jessica Rudd.
“The Parenthood remains committed to advocating for more affordable and accessible early childhood education and care. It’s a ‘win for all’ issue: It’s good for children. It’s good for families and it’s good for the economy.”
