Howard Government committed to early childhood intervention

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, today welcomed Labor’s ‘catch up’ on early childhood intervention.

“The Howard Government is already providing $142 million to help children 0-5 years in some of the most disadvantaged communities,” Mr Brough said.

“Communities for Children provides assistance to 45 communities across Australia, focused on helping prepare children to maximise opportunities.

“This commitment is part of our $500 million Stronger Families and Communities Strategy (SFCS.)

“Where our approach differs to that of Labor, is that we focus on local solutions to local issues.

“Rather than simply rolling out a program from Canberra that may work in one community, we ensure that we listen to the needs of local communities and work with them to provide local solutions.

“HIPPY is a good program that works well in some communities, and has been funded in several communities under Local Answers and Communities for Children, as part of SFC.

“However, while it works in some communities, it’s not necessarily the best approach in others.

“Funding for communities wanting to take up the HIPPY program is already available under Local Answers and Communities for Children.”