The Parenthood Newsletter June 2024

NEW CAMPAIGN: ACCESS FOR EVERY CHILD

Last week, the Access for Every Child Coalition, supported by 52 organisations and led by The Parenthood, launched a joint statement at Parliament House in Canberra. We are calling on the Federal Government and State and Territory Governments to ensure all children in regional, rural and remote areas receive equitable access to early childhood education.

We need your help to show we’re serious - by sending your local state politicians an email about the joint statement. It’s super easy - with a customisable template - and won’t take more than two minutes! If you agree that every child regardless of their location, should have access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education and care.

SURVEY: BABY FEVER OR BABY FREEZE - WHAT’S HOLDING YOU BACK?

Hey there, potential-pondering parents! The birth rate in Australia is at an all-time record low, so if you have major reservations about taking the plunge and either starting or growing a family you are not alone. From sky-high housing costs, to the eye-watering $12 price tag on a single packet of grated cheese, to early learning fees comparable with private school, there are many financial factors at play.

We know some of the reasons Australians aren’t reproducing at the rates they once did but we want to know YOUR thinking.

FANTASTIC NEWS FROM SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The SA Government has announced a $715 million commitment in the upcoming budget to roll out preschool for three-year-olds! This investment, guided by the recommendations of the Early Learning Royal Commission chaired by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, aims to transform early childhood education in South Australia over the next decade.

“We congratulate the South Australian Government for their leadership and for taking necessary steps to make quality early childhood education and care more accessible and affordable for all families and children across the state," says The Parenthood CEO, Georgie Dent, in our media release.

RESEARCH SHOWS: STRESS IS GROWING AMONG WORKING PARENTS

The results of the 2024 National Working Families Survey highlight that combining work and family commitments increasingly takes a toll on parents, and that women bear the brunt. The survey results - conducted by our partners Parents At Work and UNICEF Australia and completed by over 6,200 working parents and carers, were presented in Sydney last week.

One of the key findings showed that 74% of women reported feeling stressed balancing work and family commitments (compared to 47% of men). You can find more key findings, a detailed report, and solutions on how to better support working families here.