A future NSW Liberals and Nationals government would reverse Labor’s changes to preschool funding arrangements, with Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman claiming the reforms threaten the long-term viability of early childhood education services across the region.
The commitment centres on the State Government’s decision to replace the Start Strong funding framework from December 31, 2026, with separate funding arrangements for community preschools and long day care providers. Wendy Tuckerman said families, educators and service providers in the Goulburn electorate had raised concerns about the impact the changes could have on the quality, safety and affordability of preschool education.
She said a Coalition government would reinstate the Start Strong program, restore funding certainty for preschools and long day care centres, negotiate wage increases for community preschool educators and ensure appropriate investment through the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund.
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said the Coalition would reverse Labor’s funding changes for both community preschools and long day care services, while Shadow Minister for Early Education Felicity Wilson said families and providers across the state had expressed concerns about affordability, quality and choice under the new arrangements.
The Opposition claims the current changes could affect preschool education services used by around 170,000 children across NSW.
