Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

I can indicate to the senator that this government understands how complex the issues of early childhood education are. We understand that in terms of the Commonwealth’s interface with state governments on this issue there are fundamental difficulties even in getting to talk to the one department across this country. This is a government that also appreciates the need to attend to these questions. There is no doubt that the performance in early childhood education is one of the areas of great weakness in our education system across this country. I have been on delegations with Senator Allison when we have visited various communities and seen how deplorable conditions are, particularly in terms of early childhood provision. I have seen circumstances personally where very young students, around four years of age, are clearly indicating all the health deficits that undermine the capacity to achieve good educational outcomes.