Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Under a Shorten Labor government, families with three-year-olds will have universal access to 15 hours of subsidised early childhood education, so they can get the best start to lifelong learning. I want to acknowledge the great work done by the member for Kingston, Amanda Rishworth, in this space because she and those on this side know that 90 per cent of a child's brain development occurs in the first five years of life, and investment in early education is one of the smartest investments our country can make.

I'm proud of this announcement as it will also benefit around 7,000 children in the Northern Territory alone. Studies have shown that children who access quality early childhood education achieve better results in tests throughout their schooling. Early education is particularly vital in closing the disadvantage gap before a child starts school. One of the biggest barriers to accessing early education is finance. Expanding access will help with the cost of living, help parents balance work and family, and help reduce the childcare bills that families have with children already in early education.

I call on the government to match Labor's commitments, support Territory families and support families around Australia. Put early childhood education up in the priority list, because it's the smartest thing we can do in our nation.

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