A cloud of uncertainty hovers over the planned preschool project at Terrey Hills Public School.
The Labor Party is allegedly breaking its promise to open a new preschool in Terrey Hills, according to Pittwater MP Rory Amon. Mr Amon is pleading with the NSW Government to honour the commitments made by the previous Coalition Government to improve the accessibility and affordability of childcare and preschool facilities.
The Coalition Government’s initial plans were for the construction of 500 new preschools during the current legislative session. However, Mr Amon claims that the Labor Party’s latest proposal dramatically falls short, guaranteeing only a small portion of the initially anticipated number—a meagre 100. Concerns have been expressed about the feasibility of the proposed Terrey Hills Public School preschool due to this change.
He emphasised the need for both state financing and Commonwealth subsidies, highlighting the possible negative effects on Pittwater area families if the funding is compromised.
He also underscored the importance of the first five years of a child’s life in terms of its social, emotional, and cognitive development which he said was the goal of the Coalition Government’s earlier investments in early childhood.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman echoed similar sentiments. Drawing attention to the measures undertaken by the Coalition Government, Mr Speakman emphasized the proposed $5 billion ‘Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund’ and the assurance of a year of complimentary pre-kindergarten education for all children.
Both Mr Amon and Mr Speakman criticised the NSW Government for breaking prior commitments to provide child care made by its predecessor. They claimed that high childcare costs are a major issue for people who are struggling to pay for necessities, as they prevent families from having access to better jobs.
Published 10-August-2023