SALLY ROPE:
Angie Bell is our Federal Member for Moncrieff here, Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education and Shadow Minister for Youth. Each week around this time we catch up with one of our federal MPs, this morning it is Ms Bell. Hello.
Treasury have today confirmed that the Albanese Government’s ‘Cheaper Child Care’ policy is based on a lack of modelling and incorrect assumptions. In a Senate Inquiry into the policy, Treasury confirmed the only modelling they’ve done is the impact the policy will have on mothers with children aged 0-5 years.
MICHELLE LANDRY:
I just wanted to make comments about what happened in the chamber today. I’ve been a federal MP down here for nine years been involved heavily with federal politics for over 12. And, you know, I really do not appreciate being spoken to, and screamed at, by the Prime Minister as I was today. I asked a question which I’ve talked to a lot of you about, the ring road in Rockhampton and I feel that I’ve been humiliated by him and by the Labor Party.
DANICA DE GIORGIO:
Well, 96 per cent of Australian families will pay less in child care from July next year under new reforms introduced by the government, but is making it cheaper getting to the bottom of the core issue in the sector. Both the Greens and Coalition have raised concerns over the $5 billion package, fearing it doesn’t address the key crisis of workforce shortages in early education.
HENRY BELOT:
Well let’s discuss this and other issues with our political panel. Joining us today are Angie Bell, Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education and we have from Labor, Sally Sitou. Welcome to both of you to Capital Hill.
The Albanese Government has finally unveiled their centrepiece child care policy – $4.5 billion and it won’t deliver a single additional child care place for Australian families. Labor’s policy continues to be light on detail and doesn’t address workforce concerns or the rising number of families stuck on waiting lists.
After more than four months, the Albanese Government have finally gotten around to revealing details on their ACCC price mechanism election promise – which will cost $10 million and deliver nothing for Australian families until sometime in 2024.
BECC CHAVE:
Well, access to child care services or lack thereof is a key issue in the regions and it’s something the Kingston South East Community has been campaigning for many years. Ahead of the May Federal Election, both the Labor Party and the Coalition promised $1.8 million to build a new childcare facility in the town.
TOM CONNELL:
It is world early childhood educators’ and many in Australia are marking the day by walking off the job, striking for better pay and conditions. So, what is happening in the sector? Early Childhood Education Shadow Minister, Angie Bell, joins me now here in the studio. Thanks so much for your time. So, the strike action today I guess the easiest question is, do they deserve more pay?
Today is Early Childhood Educators’ Day, and as educators gather around the country to call for better pay and conditions, the Albanese Government remains quiet on their promises for the sector. Labor have been in government for more than 100 days but have provided no details on how they’ll address current issues in the sector, including worker shortages and fee hikes.