In 2023, Indigo Coulson, a 4th year university student, participated in the Parliamentary Internship Program to complete a research assignment based on an important issue for an electorate.
Indigo was paired with myself, and our electorate of the Bellarine, where she completed the report Early Childhood Education and Care on the Bellarine.
To families who are currently using childcare or are planning for childcare, the findings of this report might not be a surprise. Enrolling in childcare can be a complicated system to navigate. Sometimes, finding a suitable centre can be difficult, or they might have a significant waitlist.
I am proud that the Victorian Government is investing in childcare and early education to address these issues. We are committed to building a new government-owned childcare in the St Leonards area and I know this will help local families immensely.
In addition, investment was needed in the childcare workforce following the rollout of free kinder. To support this, the Victorian Government has expanded the suite of scholarships, incentives, educator traineeships and career advancement programs and supports.
The aim has always been, and will always be, to support teachers and help children get the best start in life.
This is just the start, there is always more to do.
If you're interested in reading the report you can access it here.
