Supporting country kids

Country children stand to benefit considerably from the development of a National Agenda for Early Childhood Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, said today.

Mr Anthony was speaking at the Country Children’s Association of New South Wales annual conference in Canberra.

“The Coalition Government is committed to an early intervention and prevention approach to ensure all Australian children have the best possible start to life.

“A National Agenda for Early Childhood aims to harness the considerable investments already made by Commonwealth, State and local governments and community organisations. The focus is on children aged 0-5 years in the key areas of early child and maternal health, early learning and care, and child-friendly communities.

“Country children stand to benefit greatly from the development of a National Agenda for Early Childhood. Better co-ordination of the range of services provided by governments and other organisations in country areas will see a better utilisation of the resources available to parents.

“There is no doubt that early childhood development and experiences have a direct impact on future educational, career and health outcomes. There is also a strong case for getting it right in the early years to avoid reliance on welfare, substance misuse and becoming entangled in the criminal justice system.

“I am pleased that the Country Children’s Association of New South Wales recognise the importance of this issue by putting it high on their agenda.

“The Coalition Government supports families in rural and regional areas through child care. There are a number of child care options tailored for country children such as mobile services and in-home care.

“Families in rural and regional areas are entitled to the range of high quality services enjoyed by their city cousins and the Coalition Government is committed to delivering them,” Mr Anthony said.