Tasmania

Comment:I thought this was wonderful:

David Bartlett, MHA

Minister for Education

Saturday, 6 October 2007

Early childhood professionals call for recognition

The Minister for Education, David Bartlett, today called on the Federal Government to recognise the important contribution of early childhood professionals.

Opening the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union Child Care Forum in Hobart today, Mr Bartlett said that the State Government strongly supported the LHMU’s state campaign for recognition and respect for early childhood professionals in line with the union’s national agenda for sector reform.

“In Tasmania, we take the education of children very seriously.

Learning in the early years has a lasting impact on health, future learning and life success,” he said.

“That’s why I have nominated provision of more support for the early years of learning as one of the three areas I want my performance as Minister to be judged over the next four years.

“Through our new $12.6 million Launching into Learning Budget initiative, we’re directly helping schools support more young children and their families, particularly those who are vulnerable, before the children formally start school.”

Mr Bartlett said that the State Government had done much over the last nine years to improve the status of early childhood professionals, through initiatives like scholarships and mentor programs.

“However, we know that the number of staff in Tasmania approved to ‘act’ in qualified positions because they are studying, is increasing,” he said.

“More solutions are required and the Department of Education’s Child Care Unit will be running regional meetings later this month to explore possible options which suit both child care professionals and services.”

Mr Bartlett said that the LHMU had a leading role to play in highlighting the need for a change in Government at the impending Federal election.

“With more than 137,000 members and four per cent growth last year, the LHMU is one of Australia's largest, and largest growing, unions,” he said.

“Today’s forum is one of the last opportunities before the Federal Election, so this really is a last-ditch effort to take action for a stronger voice in their workplaces and communities – particularly in the child care sector.

“It is only by working together that we can be confident all Tasmanian workers – including child care professionals - get the best possible deal in life – after all, that’s the very least they deserve.”

Another seminar will be held in Launceston on Saturday 20 October.