Kindergarten will be free in Queensland from the start of next year, in an initiative that is set to benefit an additional 50,000 children across the state. But with many Childcare centres turning families away due to severe staff shortages should it be free nationwide?
In a historic move, the Queensland Government has announced that kindergarten will be free for all families in the state from January 2024. This is a major investment of $645 million over five years and is set to benefit an additional 50,000 children across Queensland.
The Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to early childhood education and care means that families will no longer have to pay fees for 15 hours of kindy per week, 40 weeks of the year. The government estimates that this will save some families up to $2,500 per year.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said: “This is a major investment in our youngest Queenslanders and their families – helping them get the best start in life.” She also noted that this initiative would help create more jobs within the early childhood sector.
Currently, 14,000 vulnerable and disadvantaged children already receive free kindy services, while another 26,000 are eligible for cheaper fees. The new initiative will extend these benefits to all children across the state.
The government has also committed funds towards improving infrastructure at kindergartens and providing additional support for teachers. This includes investing $1 billion over five years towards increasing wages for early childhood educators as well as providing professional development opportunities.
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