Felicity Wilson
Shadow Minister for Early Education
Rachel Merton
Deputy Chair, Legislative Council Education Portfolio Committee
Our youngest children have been failed by the early childhood education and care system in NSW, according to the report of the Legislative Council’s Education Portfolio Committee Inquiry into the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector in New South Wales.
After years of feedback from families and educators, and a number of concerning incidents of harm to children coming to light, this report offers us all an opportunity to revisit the regulatory framework imposed on educators without resourcing to support capability and prevent costs being passed onto already overtaxed parents.
Shadow Minister for Early Education, Felicity Wilson, welcomed the publication of the report and thanked those who participated in the inquiry for their commitment to quality education for children across NSW.
“We welcome the spotlight on safety and quality which is the foundation of a system which is child-centric,” Ms Wilson said.
"Regulation without resourcing is failing families and educators. Reform must come with real, practical support, not just added costs and compliance burdens, or our best educators will walk, and parents and children will pay the price."
“The report highlights how much more there is to do to ensure that early childhood education and care in NSW is high quality, safe, affordable, accessible, and ensures parental choice.”
“NSW should be leading the nation, but right now, families and providers are under pressure, and government is making it harder, not easier.”
Deputy Chair of the Legislative Council’s Education Portfolio Committee, the Hon. Rachel Merton MLC, said that families should be at the heart of decision-making.
“I have worked for over a year to ensure the committee reflects on the experience of families, children and educators in the sector,” Ms Merton said.
“Parents are crying out for more choice, it is critical that this is recognised.”
Ms Wilson called on the Government to listen to the insights shared and take action.
"What concerns me is that educators and providers are being asked to do more, without the support to do it, and it is families who are paying the price, including through higher fees expected following the Minns Labor Government's up to tenfold annual service fee increase starting from July," said Ms Wilson.
"Families and educators aren't asking for much; they want a system that is appropriately regulated and adequately funded. The Minns Labor Government now has the opportunity to deliver a system that is clear, consistent, and focused on what matters, quality outcomes for children," said Ms Wilson.
The committee’s report can be found here