GrainGrowers has welcomed the announcement of the Government's new $1 billion Building Early Education Fund, set to roll out in July 2025.
The fund will help expand and build new early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres in areas of need, particularly in the outer suburbs and regional Australia.
GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said the announcement was a positive step toward addressing some identified issues in delivering appropriate ECEC services in regional Australia.
Ms Gawel said the initiative aligns closely with GrainGrowers' election ask for increased supply-side funding and government intervention to address the market failures in delivering high-quality ECEC services in regional communities.
"With the cost-of-living pressures and access to early education services a growing challenge, especially in rural and remote areas, the Government's plan is a positive and much-needed step toward addressing these disparities."
"Every step to increase the supply of ECEC services, especially in regions where families face significant barriers to accessing quality care, is welcomed."
This funding commitment demonstrates recognition of the pressing needs of our rural and regional communities and is something that GrainGrowers has been advocating for on behalf of our members."
Ms Gawel said while the announcement is a promising development, there is a need for a fair and proportionate allocation of funding to address the different challenges faced in regional areas throughout Australia.
"From a GrainGrowers perspective, ensuring that regional communities benefit from the Building Early Education Fund will remain a priority, particularly as ECEC providers often underserve these areas."
"Directing a fair share of resources to regional and remote areas will help ensure families outside major cities are appropriately supported and not left behind."
Ms Gawel said the Government's focus on expanding services on school sites and supporting high-quality not-for-profit providers is a step in the right direction.
"This approach will contribute to more sustainable, community-driven solutions for early education, enhancing access for families who need it most."
"GrainGrowers looks forward to continuing to work with the Government, industry stakeholders, and the broader community to ensure regional Australia receives the support and investment it deserves in delivering quality early childhood education and care services," Ms Gawel said.
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