Page 317 - Week 01 - Thursday, 17 February 2011
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parents and take the time to consider the implications of these changes. I am listening, my state and federal colleagues are listening, to the sector and parents across the country. What we are hearing is a whole range of concerns in relation to the implementation of the quality framework. (Time expired.)
MR BARR (Molonglo—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Planning, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation and Minister for Gaming and Racing) (3.45): I thank Mr Doszpot for raising the matter this afternoon. I cannot claim to be a mother of five but I think I can share a commitment that all members in this place have to ensure the best possible start in life for all young Canberrans.
That is at the core of what this government is about and why we develop and deliver policy in the childcare area and in early learning based on the latest and most respected research. That is why we invest heavily in this area through the ACT budget. I note with a sense of sadness that we do so pretty much without the support of the Canberra Liberals.
Across the world there is increasing recognition of the importance of investing in early childhood education. Research across the medical, behavioural and social sciences shows that the early years are critical to setting the foundation for learning, behaviour and health outcomes throughout school and, indeed, beyond in later life.
According to the experts, the early period of brain development is critical to wellbeing, not just in physical and mental health but also in literacy and numeracy. Brain research shows us that from birth to five years children already have most of their physical brain capacity and that significant learning occurs during these early years.
For young children, relationships and strong attachments to caregivers and educators provide the context for all learning. As such, the value of early childhood education programs is undisputed. The short-term benefits include improved cognitive functioning, better school readiness and, critically, social skills. Longitudinal studies have demonstrated the positive effects on school completion, further education participation, employment, earnings and general social wellbeing.
Some economic research indicates that each dollar invested in early childhood can save up to $7 later in public expenditure because of the better health and social outcomes that this investment delivers. Across the Australian Capital Territory and, indeed, within the government, there is clear acknowledgement that education begins at birth. That is why we work hard to ensure that the relationship between all sectors working with children in the ACT is strong but that, importantly, it is constantly reviewed for improvement.
Additionally, as my colleague Ms Burch has outlined, we are working through the Council of Australian Governments process to provide an even more comprehensive range of services, including childcare, early intervention and preschool. The relationship between all the sectors working with young children in the territory is critical in order to meet the needs of children and families. Quite simply, you cannot have excellence in education without care or excellence in care without education. For children, it is the same experience.
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