Emma McBride (Dobell, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention) Share this | Hansard source

The first thousand days, sorry—and the difference that makes to young people and families. This report goes on to say:

Significant fiscal benefits flow to both the Commonwealth and state and territory governments.

This is clearly good for young children. It's very beneficial to their families. It makes an incredible difference to communities. But it also helps the budget. This drives the economy. It helps the budget bottom line. There are so many benefits of this type of policy. Recently we had the minister, Dr Anne Aly, come and visit the Eleanor Duncan centre in my community of Wyong and speak about the work they're doing, particularly with First Nations young people, where they're combining the benefits of early learning with health. We know that bringing these two together will make such a big difference in addressing the social determinants of health and education. I was so pleased to be able to have the minister in my electorate and to be able to talk about this, including in preschools like Wyong Preschool where this is being introduced.

Leaders from across the early education sector support this change. The experts support it, the educators support it and families welcome it. I believe parliamentarians across a broad range of backgrounds representing electorates from across the country also support it. I ask the Liberal and National parties to put Australian children first, to show their support and to help our nation grasp this opportunity for our future. I commend the bill to the House.

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