The Liberal Government welcomes the Commonwealth's announcement today that funding will continue in 2015 for preschool education.
In Tasmania, this provides for five hours a week of our kindergarten program, with the State Government funding 10 hours a week.
Kindergarten is voluntary but strongly encouraged as an important stepping stone for children in their education, and one that we know is certainly valued by parents. In Tasmania, nearly all children do kinder.
Research shows that participating in quality early childhood education programs gives children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, a head start.
That's why the Liberal Government and myself as Minister lobbied the Australian Government to try to ensure that the 15 hour funding continues.
We are very pleased with this announcement; it gives certainty for parents and schools looking forward to the next school year, and shows the benefits of working constructively with the Commonwealth to deliver outcomes for Tasmania.
We will continue to work with the Australian Government to secure a new funding agreement into the future.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
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