Early Childhood Making best even better
Members will recall that in Term 1 and Term 2 they were provided with several opportunities to be consulted about the Best Start, Best Life (BSBL) reforms. The department have now collated the information resulting from extensive consultation, and I am pleased to say that members’ feedback has resonated.
The feedback showed that outcomes for children were central to the reforms. Underpinning this was the clear need for Aboriginal self-determination, cultural safety, equity for access and outcomes, responsiveness to family and children’s needs, and the rights of the child.
The feedback that members provided during consultation will be used to develop policy settings and future funding, so thank you for your important contributions.
Another message that landed was the need to support the sector through the changes, through good change management processes; making spaces for learning (infrastructure, design, outdoor spaces); meeting the needs of all children, families and communities; valuing and growing the workforce (pay, conditions, wellbeing); and inclusion, with a focus on bridging the gap between kinder services and allied health professionals. On top of this is a review of the KIS program – a win from this year’s state budget.
The feedback that members provided during consultation will be used to develop policy settings and future funding, so thank you for your important contributions. This was just the beginning of consultation as the BSBL reforms continue to roll out over the next decade. The AEU will ensure that members are consulted along the way so that your voices are heard to help inform and shape policy. The AEU will also continue to advocate around our Ten-Year Plan for Staffing in Public Education.
