#ParentsUp is a parent-led campaign calling for a better deal for children, parents and women.
Every parent and carer wants to raise healthy, thriving children and give their children the best start in life. But, right now, our policies don’t support this. When it comes to raising children, Australia is not “the lucky country”.
We have one of the shortest and least adequate Paid Parental Leave schemes in the world and some of the highest out-of-pocket fees for Early Childhood Education and Care and Outside School Hours Care in the world according to the latest UNICEF report.
Compared to families and children overseas, Australians are missing out on the support they need to thrive. Children deserve better!
That’s why #ParentsUp is calling for:
- One year of government-funded Paid Parental Leave to be shared between parents or carers, at full pay including super.
- Universal access to quality, inclusive Early Childhood Education and Care and Outside School Hours Care delivered by a well supported and properly paid workforce.
These are the policies that are proven to give children the best start in life and the opportunity to reach their potential regardless of race, postcode, income. These changes represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Australia for the better! And change is within reach if we can convince decision makers that this change is a win for all! For children. For parents. For women. For the economy. 
We know how valuable Educators are. They’re doing work that is hard and invaluable. Despite parents paying high fees, Educators aren’t being paid high wages. There is a direct correlation between quality early learning and quality Educators. Parents don’t want to see quality Educators leaving their children or services. Children benefit from continuity of care from their Educators. That's why parents need affordable early learning and care, and Early childhood Educators need to be valued, supported and fairly paid.
Together, parents are powerful and can call for this change! Get involved today.
No parent, alone, can effect widespread community change, but parents, carers and supporters joining together can. Our voices will be too loud to ignore.
Together, let’s call for a better deal for children that:
- makes life more affordable for families,
- improves outcomes for children,
- reduces inequality,
- creates jobs,
- strengthens the economy and
- gets more women back into the workforce.
Supporting children starts with supporting their parents and caregivers. Children do best when their parents and carers are supported and can make ends meet.
That’s why Paid Parental Leave and access to Early Childhood Education and Care and Outside School Hours Care are absolutely vital for children to thrive. They are the “bridges and roads” that enable parents to be there for their children and provide for their family.
If politicians want to talk about family values, it’s time they start valuing families.
Download the #ParentsUp factsheet here!
Children deserve better!
The system should be simple to use, easy to navigate, and every parent and carer should be able to access Early Childhood Education and Care and Paid Parental Leave, no matter who they are, where they live or what they earn.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lift up all Australian families and we need you! Help us to support the #ParentsUp campaign and spread the word.
