Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has joined community-based preschool educators across New South Wales in their call for fair pay and funding, lending his support during a Day of Action outside the NSW Parliament.
Hundreds of teachers, educators and supporters gathered at Sydney’s Martin Place, with parallel events held in regional centres including the Northern Rivers.
Mr Williamson, who has raised the issue twice in Parliament in recent weeks, said the NSW Labor Government’s refusal to provide adequate funding showed “a complete lack of respect” for early childhood teachers and the families they support.
“Community-based preschools deliver some of the highest quality early education in the state, yet their teachers are paid up to 30 per cent less than their colleagues in public preschools – even though they hold the same qualifications and do exactly the same work,” Mr Williamson said.
“These educators are the heart of our communities – passionate, professional and deeply committed to giving children the best start in life. They deserve fair pay, not platitudes.”
He said he was disappointed to receive a response from a Parliamentary Secretary rather than Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos after raising the issue directly with the Government.
“If ever there was a signal that this Government doesn’t care about our early childhood educators, it’s that the Minister couldn’t even respond herself,” he said.
“This is a sector in crisis – preschools are struggling to keep staff, enrolments are being capped, and families are feeling the pressure. The Minns Labor Government is asleep at the wheel.”
Mr Williamson said he met with Melinda Gambley, Vice-President of the Northern Rivers Preschool Alliance and Director of Clunes Community Preschool, describing her as “a wonderful advocate for her profession and for regional preschools.”
“Our community-based preschools are not-for-profit, run by mums, dads and volunteers. They do it because they care – but they can’t keep carrying the burden alone,” he said.
“The NSW Government must step up, join the supported bargaining process and deliver fair and sustainable funding for the sector – just as governments in Victoria and Queensland have already done.”
Mr Williamson said he would continue to raise the issue in Parliament until fair pay and long-term funding certainty are achieved for community preschools.
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