ALP commits to Queensland early learning in Federal election lead up

The Australian Labor Party (ALP) has been vocal in Queensland this week, committing to early learning ahead of what many speculate will be a May Federal election, speaking with parents and providers about their plans to support local community groups to expand early learning resources, should they be successful in obtaining power.

Should the ALP gain power, 130,000 three and four year old QLD children would benefit from the National Preschool and Kindy program announced in 2018, in which $1.75 billion was pledged to support “the biggest ever investment in early childhood education in Australia”.

Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education and Development Amanda Rishworth said the Party knew the importance of a child’s learning in community, prior to attending school, saying “that is why, if elected, a Shorten Labor Government will expand community-based playgroups and toy libraries with a $6.1 million grassroots grants program.”  

Some of the community groups which received commitments from the ALP in Ms Rishworth’s conversations included Koobara Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Kindergarten and Preschool and the combined Embrace Life and Sesame Lane Happy Health Playgroup at Woodside Community Centre.

“If elected, these commitments across Queensland will reflect the ALP’s priority to giving every child the best start in life,” Ms Rishworth said, adding that the parties commitment to these playgroups will see greater support from the Commonwealth, in “long overdue recognition of the important place they have our local communities”.