Consultants Nous Group are currently reviewing preschool funding ahead of a meeting between federal and state education ministers in December.Credit:Louise Kennerley
The terms of reference for the review,which reports to an education ministers'meeting in December,say it will"inform consideration of future funding and policy settings".
The federal government announced $449.5 million for preschool (which is called kindergarten in Victoria) in April,but this only covers the 2020 school year. In the wake of the budget,Treasurer Josh Frydenberg noted that while the government had funded preschools every year since its election,it was"primarily the responsibility of the states". He also flagged concerns about low attendance rates.
Peak body Early Childhood Australia has been calling for preschool funding to be made long-term and expanded to three-year-olds. But it is worried the government may instead reduce its involvement,particularly as it looks to fund extra support for aged care,mental health and drought relief,while maintaining a surplus.
"We're of the view that the federal government may be considering walking away from preschool funding,"ECA chief executive Samantha Page said."I think it would be a terrible outcome for children. It would undermine parents and concern all those involved in the education system."
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Victorian Labor education minister James Merlino warned that any moves to scale back federal funding would"jeopardise access high quality kindergarten programs for Victorian families.”
"We have been very clear with the federal government that securing a long term and fair funding agreement for kinder is a high priority for us and this view has not changed."