Comment called for on early childhood system

AUSTRALIANS will be able to have their say on how the country’s early childhood system should be improved.

Public consultation opened for the federal government’s Early Years Strategy on Saturday. The strategy aims to create an integrated, Australia-wide approach to ensure children aged five and below – as well as their families and communities – have the tools and support to thrive no matter where they are born.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth encouraged all Australians to share their ideas and feedback.

“We want to hear from a diverse range of voices in the community, including parents, families, carers and caregivers, educators, child and maternal healthcare providers, social workers, early years experts and anyone who wants to contribute to improving the lives of Australian children,” Ms Rishworth said. “Getting it right in the early years’ means not only that children and their families are supported to thrive in these critical years of development but also that any investments we make now can have broader, sustained benefits for our society and economy across current and future generations.”

Early Childhood Education Minister Anne Aly said the strategy is about making sure we optimise connections between health, education and family support services.

“We know that 90 per cent of brain development happens in the first five years, which is why it’s so important we have a holistic approach to the early years,” Dr Aly said.

The Early Years Summit will be held later this month.