The Parenthood Newsletter October

Dear friends and supporters,

We don't want to alarm you but it's October. Already! 🙈🙈🙈 Halloween will be here in no time and then it's downhill to Christmas. The good news from us is that it's been a month filled with wins for parents and children that we're excited to update you on.  

Have a great week and let us know what you think about our monthly newsletter. Send us an email anytime!

The Parenthood team

SPOTLIGHT WEEKS
Parenting is one of the greatest joys in life. However, in Australia the parenting experience is more challenging than it needs to be.
During our Spotlight Weeks across social media we’ll take a closer look at parenting policies and what needs to be done to make Australia the best place in the world to be a parent! This week we’re looking at paid parental leave. Get the details here or follow our socials.


A TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY & THE CHEAPER CHILDCARE LEGISLATION
‘If I’m Prime Minister I’ll make quality, affordable high quality early education universal,’ the then-Opposition leader Anthony Albanese declared on 6 October 2020. Labor's commitment to reform early childhood education and care was a turning point. 

Two years later, almost to the day, on 3rd October Education Minister Jason Clare and Early Education and Care Minister Dr Anne Aly introduced the Cheaper Childcare legislation in parliament. From 1 July 2023, over a million families will have access to much more affordable early childhood education and care. "It’s a game-changing reform for children, for families, for educators, for women & the nation,"writes our Executive Director, Georgie Dent.


"WE NEED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF WAGES FOR EARLY EDUCATORS" 
"We've got reason to be hopeful that genuine change is underway for families, children and educators." Georgie Dent was live on the Today Show talking about the Cheaper Childcare legislation and better working conditions for early educators. Watch the interview here.


EMAIL THE VICTORIAN OPPOSITION LEADER MATTHEW GUY
The Victorian state election is fast approaching. The state government has made a commitment to free play-based learning for three and four year olds as well as the rollout of affordable government-run early learning centres.
So far, the Opposition hasn't made an announcement on early childhood education and care for Victorian families. Join our call and send a super quick email to Matthew Guy, Leader of the Opposition, using our easy template.


INDEPENDENT MOTION FOR EXTENDED PAID PARENTAL LEAVE
The Parenthood welcomed a motion introduced in the House of Representatives by the Independent Member for Warringah, Zali Steggall, and seconded by the Independent Member for Wentworth, Allegra Spender.
Both members are calling on the government to expand paid parental leave to at least 26 weeks with a use it or lose it provision to incentivise shared use of leave where there are two carers. Read our media release here.