An Australian Greens plan for universal free childhood education and care has been welcomed by the peak body for Indigenous children, who commended the party on "long-term reform" to help the nation's children.
On Sunday, the Greens, who polling shows could be needed by Labor to form a minority government, despite Labor's reassurances they will not do a deal with the party - said their plan for free, universal, high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) would ensure "all children get the education they deserve, and parents can work, build a career, or simply breathe easier".
On Monday, SNAICC - National Voice of Our Children chief executive Catherine Liddle said the plan for a dedicated ACCO model was "particularly welcomed", arguing it played a "critical role" in First Nations children accessing ECEC.
Ms Liddle said Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO)-led services saw a high level of engagement from Indigenous families and extended "beyond traditional childcare approaches" in helping to foster "connection, accountability, and delivering comprehensive support for children and their extended families, addressing the unique needs of these communities".
"We are pleased to see the Greens acknowledge and plan to better fund and support these services," the Arrernte/Luritja woman said.
"Closing the Gap starts with our children, so it makes good sense Federal politicians would support ACCOs with sustainable and long-term funding."
The policy would include treating early education like public school, providing every child 50 hours of free ECEC a week, as well as extending universal access to preschool to 30 hours a week for all four- and three-year-old children.
It would cost $29 billion over the forward estimates, the Greens say, and would "ensure no child is left behind, regardless of their postcode or parents' income".
"There is also additional support for First Nations community-controlled services, increased inclusive care funding and investment into the national workforce strategy to tackle educator shortages," a party spokesperson said.
In February, the Labor government passed legislation that abolished the Liberal-era Activity Test, allowing families to access three days a week of subsidised early childhood education regardless of how much they work or study.
Labor has said families earning between $50,000 to $100,000 will be better off under the legislation, arguing they are expected to save an average of $1,460 per year, and was welcomed by Indigenous organisations.
The move came about after a dramatic U-turn on the last sitting day of the parliamentary fortnight - for which the Greens took credit - after the legislation seemed destined for a committee.
"Greens pressure has already forced Labor to scrap the activity test for 3 days a week, and in the next Parliament we'll keep Dutton out and make further reform a priority," Greens leader Adam Bandt said on the weekend.
SNAICC said on Monday that the Greens' focus on improving ECEC access across the country was welcomed. Ms Liddle said they had long supported government investment into the sector to create "more equitable and accessible ECEC services".
With evidence showing a link between children entering out-of-home care (OOHC) and later involvement with the juvenile justice system, Ms Liddle said early childhood education and care interventions "play a crucial role in reducing juvenile offending rates".
"Improved access to culturally safe, high-quality ECEC services will help ensure our children are developmentally ready for big school and have the support they need to thrive," she said.
The Coalition, who have pushed policies on Indigenous audits and a royal commission into sexual abuse in remote communities, have yet to offer specifics on reform around childcare and voted against the abolishment of the Activity Test.
SNAICC's rejection of the aforementioned Royal Commission was criticised by opposition Indigenous spokesperson Jacinta Nampijinpa Price in February, who has also pushed back against the efficacy of peak bodies concerning helping to close the gap.
Ms Liddle said SNAICC "look forward" to the Coalition announcing plans for ECEC during the campaign, arguing Indigenous children "deserve bipartisan support for commitments that allow them to thrive".
