JODI MCKAY MP

NSW LABOR LEADER

JODIE HARRISON MP

NSW SHADOW MINISTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING



Statement to Early Childhood Sector on COVID-19

Monday 23rd March 2020



This morning NSW Labor called on the Berejiklian Government to put an end to the confusion faced by parents and close schools, TAFEs and childcare centres to slow the spread of COVID-19.

We support the model adopted in other countries where limited schools and centres remain open in order to provide care for the children of key workers and vulnerable groups.

This pandemic is a time of much concern for our community including our 5,500 early childhood learning centres and 66,000 early childhood workers in NSW.

NSW Labor stands with these centres and workers and has urged State and Federal Governments to provide comprehensive financial support.

The ongoing provision of funding and subsidies should form part of a package that ensures the viability of this important sector.

The Minister and Chief Medical Officer should work with the limited centres that remain open to ensure appropriate infection control and personal protective equipment.

We will have more to say in coming days about the need for support across the community services sector.