Prime Minister Albanese backs Tasmanian Labor’s childcare plan, highlights national early learning progress

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to accessible and affordable early childhood education during a visit to Tasmania, unveiling national progress figures and endorsing a major childcare policy announced by the Tasmanian Labor Party.

Speaking at the Discovery Early Learning Centre in Launceston alongside Member for Bass Jess Teesdale, Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter, and Shadow Minister for Education and Early Years Sarah Lovell, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the government’s achievements since 2022, including the establishment of 1,200 new childcare services across Australia, an increase of 95,000 children enrolled in early learning, and the addition of 48,000 educators to the workforce.

Mr Albanese emphasised the 15 per cent pay rise implemented last year for early childhood educators, which has been critical in retaining staff and recognising their essential work, noting that up to 90 per cent of educators have received or are awaiting the pay increase.

The Prime Minister also drew attention to the federal government’s $1 billion Building Early Education Fund, designed to improve early learning access in regional and outer suburban areas. He stated that every child deserves the best start in life regardless of where they grow up or their family’s financial circumstances.

The Prime Minister welcomed the alignment with the Tasmanian Labor Party’s plan to integrate childcare centres into every new school and major school redevelopment across the state, as well as their commitment to expand childcare services in underserved regional communities, starting with Tasmania’s West Coast.

Dean Winter explained that the lack of childcare services affects not only families but also the economy, with many parents unable to work the hours they need due to childcare shortages. He described the new policy as a real step towards giving Tasmanian families a fresh start and better opportunities.

Shadow Minister Sarah Lovell added that many Tasmanian regions currently have no childcare options, which is a significant disadvantage for children who would benefit from early education and for parents wanting to participate fully in the workforce.

The Prime Minister praised the cooperative effort between state and federal Labor, stressing that consistent support for early learning across Australia will open more opportunities for children and families.

During the press conference, Mr Albanese also addressed other issues including the capped federal funding for the Macquarie Point Stadium at $290 million and the ongoing urban development projects in Tasmania. He confirmed that the federal government had not yet received a final housing plan for the Macquarie Point precinct from the state government.

Regarding the Robbins Island wind farm, Mr Albanese said the project remains under environmental assessment in line with the law, and while he supports renewable energy, decisions must be made with proper due diligence.

On foreign policy, he confirmed plans to visit China later in the year but denied that the visit would precede a trip to the United States. Albanese also touched on Indigenous justice reform, acknowledging that while justice systems are primarily managed by state governments, efforts continue to address overrepresentation of First Nations people.

Responding to questions about political opposition, Mr Albanese dismissed Coalition infighting as distractions, reiterating his government’s focus on delivering stable economic growth, lower inflation, rising real wages, and improved services in health, education, and childcare. He concluded by calling for unity and long-term planning, promising certainty and a clear direction for Australia’s future amid global uncertainty.