Steph Hodgins-May (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Early Childhood Education, Minister Watt. Minister, early education is a fundamental right, yet across the country 700,000 people live in childcare deserts, according to research published by Victoria University. That is one in four people who has no access to early childhood education and care because of where they live. It's unacceptable that in a wealthy country like ours access to child care continues to be determined by your postcode. I've been hearing from parents and communities across Victoria whose kids are on multiple waiting lists and who are missing out on an early education because they can't secure child care. Minister, what concrete steps has the government taken to specifically address the issue of childcare deserts in Australia?