Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

National Parenting Workshop

 Many of Australia’s leading early childhood experts are meeting in Melbourne over the next two days to discuss parenting information, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs,
Larry Anthony said today.

“The ‘Parenting in Australia National Workshop’ will identify priority areas to support parents in their important role and what improvements would make the biggest difference for parents and their children.

“The message received during our extensive consultations last year with parents and experts on developing strategies in the early childhood area was clear – to help young children get the best possible start to life we need to help parents. Parents particularly told us that they want more information on their parenting role.

“The national workshop, taking place in Melbourne over 28 and 29 April, will bring together the evidence and findings collected so far. This work has received $3.2 million funding as a part of $10 million announced last year by the Prime Minister to kick off the National Agenda for Early Childhood.

“The first phase of the project included extensive consultations that identified the need for:

  • educational and training programs for parents
  • support networks
  • information and support services for special needs groups; and
  • a centralised source for delivery of information and support services.

“The Centre for Community Child Health will prepare a report for the Government following this workshop that I am sure will be a useful resource for all levels of government and the community sector to draw on to shape their strategies for communicating with and supporting parents.

“Findings from the project will help to assess the funding application process for both the new $4 million parenting website and the tools and resources component of the newly announced Stronger Families and Communities Strategy ‘Invest to Grow’ initiative.

“The national workshop will involve key stakeholders, such as peak bodies, service providers, academics and relevant Australian and state and territory government departments concerned with parenting, family support and early childhood, that will consider the findings from phase one and to start developing an evidence base.

For more information, visit the website at www.facs.gov.au