Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority
I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we meet tonight, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, and pay my respects to Elders past and present.
I extend that respect to all First Nations people joining this wonderful event.
To Ros Baxter, your CEO, and to the wider Goodstart family here tonight – Thank you for the opportunity to be here and to celebrate the achievements and dedication of your fantastic team members across Victoria and Tasmania.
Being the Minister for Early Childhood Education is a pretty great job – because early education and care is one of the greatest investments we can make in our children and our future.
I’ve had the opportunity of seeing quality early learning in action at six Goodstart services across five states in my first five months as Minister.
Including two here in Victoria: Goodstart Moonee Ponds and Goodstart Jindi in Mernda.
I haven’t been to a Goodstart Tassie yet, but I promise you I will.
I recognise tonight the work of the incredible educators I’ve met at all of those services.
And I’m glad many of you across Goodstart Victoria and Tasmania will be receiving much deserved recognition here tonight at the Goodies too.
We know that children who participate in quality early learning with dedicated, qualified educators get the best start in life.
A start that readies them not just for school, but for all the opportunities life can bring.
And I know, and our Government knows, that the foundation of quality early learning is right here in this room.
It’s in the work that our passionate early educators do every day, delivering play-based learning to the littlest minds, just at the time when 90 percent of their brain development is underway.
Providing the care and support that that’s needed to grow strong hearts and build social ties too.
For too long, the incredible expertise of early childhood educators was underestimated.
And it’s no coincidence that work done by a mostly female workforce has been undervalued.
But that’s changing.
You are deservedly recognised for what you are: highly skilled professionals who build children’s minds, confidence, and futures, through a program of play-based learning.
Because it is through play that children explore, imagine, problem-solve, communicate, and connect with others.
When we tailor play-based learning to each individual child, the benefits ripple through families, communities, and society – and they last for decades.
That’s why your work matters so deeply – not just to the children in your care today, but to the kind of country we become tomorrow.
And that’s why organisations like Goodstart are so important too.
At the heart of Goodstart’s mission is a belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive.
And all of you live that belief every day – by welcoming every child, supporting every family, and creating spaces where everyone belongs.
And that vision of inclusive early education, where every child gets a chance, drives our reforms as a Government too.
As the Minister for Early Education, I’m lucky to have a Prime Minister who wants universal early education to be part of his legacy.
We believe that every child deserves access to quality early learning – no matter their postcode, and no matter what their parents do.
That’s why the Albanese Government is committed to building quality, universal early education and care in Australia.
We know that a quality system has a well-supported, highly skilled, professional, stable and respected workforce at its foundation.
I am so proud that we are backing educators in with a historic 15 per cent pay rise.
A pay rise you earned. A pay rise you deserve.
Including the next five per cent coming in just over a month.
Because we can’t build a stable workforce without proper wages.
And we can’t deliver quality early learning without long-term committed educators who can afford to stay in jobs they love.
We also know that we need to build more quality not-for-profit services in the places where families need them most.
To help achieve this, we’re investing $1 billion through our historic Building Fund to work with quality not for profits to build and expand more services in our suburbs and regions.
And we’re guaranteeing that every child can qualify for three days of subsidised early learning through the 3 Day Guarantee, from January next year.
Because whether a child gets the benefits of early learning shouldn’t depend on whether their parents work or study or meet an activity test.
We believe every child deserves those benefits, because it’s good for them and good for the nation, full stop.
So tonight, I want to say thank you – for your skill, your commitment, and your heart.
You are shaping lives, shaping communities, and shaping Australia’s future.
And as you enjoy tonight and the celebrations to come, know that this Government sees you, values you, and is backing you to deliver the quality early learning Australian children deserve.
Thank you for the opportunity to be here and to celebrate with you.
Have an amazing night.