Expanding access to early education in Tasmania

The Albanese and Rockliff Governments have reached a historic agreement for $25.5 million funding through the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund and $5 million from the Tasmanian Government to deliver more not-for-profit early learning services in Tasmania.

The Albanese Government will invest $10 million through the Building Fund to build new early learning services at the Westbury Primary School and Rosetta Primary School. Each centre will receive $5 million in funding and deliver 36 new early childhood education and care places each for families.

The Albanese Government will invest $4 million in a new service at St Marys District School, which will deliver 24 new places, and $3.5 million in a new service at Bruny Island District School, which will deliver 20 new places.

Bothwell District High School will also receive $3 million in funding and provide Central Highlands families with 20 new long day care places.

The governments will also work together to deliver a service at Huonville Primary School.

In addition to the Building Fund projects, Lady Gowrie has been approved for $334,000 through the Federal Government’s Community Child Care Fund.

Combined with $200,000 in Tasmanian Government funding, this funding will ensure the Latrobe community has ongoing access to quality early learning.

This delivers significant relief to local families that were impacted by a service closure locally.

The $1 billion Building Early Education Fund provides capital funding to build or expand early learning services in areas of need, including regional communities and outer suburbs, helping families access quality early learning close to home.

These investments will support workforce participation, strengthen regional communities and help more children get the best possible start in life.

More information about the Building Early Education Fund is available at: Building Early Education Fund - Department of Education, Australian Government

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Education, Jo Palmer:

“We know that quality early learning gives children the best possible start in life and the Tasmanian Government is delivering for our youngest learners on this lifelong journey.

“This joint investment is an exciting opportunity for these regions which we know are lacking access to ECEC services.

“We are proud to be partnering with the Commonwealth to deliver for Tasmanian families.”

Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Education, Jason Clare:

“The Building Early Education Fund will help deliver more quality early education places for families in communities that need them most.

“Where you grow up shouldn’t determine whether you can access early education.

“These projects in Tasmania mean more families can access early learning close to home and more children start school ready to go and ready to learn.”

Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education, Jess Walsh:

“I am so proud the Albanese Labor Government is delivering more early learning centres for Tasmanian children and families.

“Every child deserves access to quality early learning – no matter their postcode, or what their parents do for work.

“Our $1 billion Building Early Education Fund is delivering more early learning centres for more families in more places, particularly in our outer suburbs and regions.