Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you again, Senator Green. I'm pleased to say the Albanese government is also looking to the future, taking action to build an early education system that is fit for purpose—one that will ensure all children have access to the transformational benefits of high-quality early learning, a system that support parents and provide them with more choice. We have tasked the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission with inquiring into the drivers of costs in the system, and we've commissioned a comprehensive review, also to be undertaken by the Productivity Commission. These reviews will help our government navigate the path to building a more sustainable early childhood education system.

We are also investing in the early childhood education workforce, recognising the critical role they play in children's lives. As part of this year's budget, we have invested $72.4 million in a workforce package focused on access to professional development and upskilling. Our government values early education, we value the people who work in early education, and we're investing in making early learning more affordable while building a world-class system. (Time expired)