Media Releases

13 Jun 2012 - Sharing Local Solutions to Build a Stronger Early Childhood Workforce

THE HON PETER GARRETT MP
Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth

THE HON KATE ELLIS MP
Minister for Early Childhood and Child Care

MEDIA RELEASE
13 June 2012

Sharing local solutions to build a stronger early childhood workforce

The Gillard Government will hold a series of early childhood workforce roundtables in regional communities as part of a national push to build the capacity of the early childhood education and care sector.

Minister for Early Childhood Peter Garrett and Minister for Child Care Kate Ellis said the roundtable events will give early childhood educators, training providers and employment services the opportunity to come together to share ideas and experiences.

"The Gillard Government understands how important it is to give every Australian child access to the highest quality education and care in the vital early years of their life," Mr Garrett said.

"The research is clear that positive early childhood experiences set the stage for later development, learning and wellbeing.

"That's why we're investing a record $22 billion over the next four years in the early childhood sector, more than triple the previous investment by the Coalition. This money is not only helping families with the cost of child care, it's also helping implement major reforms which will boost the quality of care and early childhood education on offer."

The roundtables will provide an opportunity to discuss how services can build the capacity of the workforce to meet the requirements of the new National Quality Framework, which is designed to lift standards Australia-wide. Other issues covered will include workforce development, skilling requirements and recruitment needs.

"There is nothing more important to the future of our country than ensuring every Australian child gets the highest quality education and care," Mr Garrett said.

"The skill and commitment of educators in the sector is already strong. By working together, we can build on that professionalism and improve consistency and quality across all early childhood services. That's why these roundtables are so important."

Minister for Early Childhood and Child Care Kate Ellis said the Prime Minister's recent child care summit was an important step which will help the Government develop further strategies to keep child care affordable.

"We are proud of our strong record of child care investment and reform but we recognise that we must always look to the next steps to assist parents," she said.

"A strong and committed workforce is a critical part of that future."

Each roundtable will reflect local issues and interest, providing participants with an opportunity to share information on what is working in their local region.

The results of the roundtables will support ongoing improvements to assist the early childhood education and care sector to meet the National Quality Framework workforce requirements.

The Gillard Government is providing support for early childhood educators through initiatives such as HECS-HELP Benefits, Recognition of Prior Learning and the removal of TAFE fees for those studying for approved early childhood and care qualifications.

Roundtables have already been held in Alice Springs, Coonawarra, Maroochydore, Hervey Bay Port Macquarie and Tamworth. Dates for the remaining roundtables are below.


State Location Date
SA
Lyndoch Wednesday 13 June
Port Augusta Thursday 14 June
TAS Hobart Thursday 21 June
NT
Darwin Monday 18 June
VIC Bendigo Wednesday 27 June
Warrnambool Friday 22 June
WA Northam Monday 18 June
Kalgoorlie Tuesday 19 June
Karratha Wednesday 21 June
QLD

Rockhampton Tuesday 10 July
Toowoomba Thursday 21 June
NSW Nowra Wednesday 20 June


Dubbo Friday 15 June
Griffith Wednesday 20 June
Broken Hill Wednesday 27 June