Online Think Tank: What if we made ECEC free for everyone?

Join a Think Tank of parents, economists, advocates, entrepreneurs and writers discussing the cost of quality of early childhood education and care and how it influences the decision-making process of parents.

On Thursday 10th December at 12:30 PM join us and hear from leading parents and advocates for early childhood education and care reform. Our speakers will discuss their own experiences as well as their insights around how Australia might look if quality early education and care was universally accessible for everyone.

The result of the Think Tank, and online discussion on Mindhive will be converted into a white paper which will be emailed to every Federal and State MP in early 2021 so that they cannot readily ignore the needs of families and children.

You’re invited to this important conversation, to hear from some incredible speakers and to add your comments and questions, too.

Book your free ticket now.

DETAILS:

Date: 10.12.2020

Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

THINK TANK SPEAKERS to be moderated by Georgie Dent, Executive Director at The Parenthood

• Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, The Australia Institute
• Lisa Bryant, Early Education Consultant
• Mehreen Faruqi, Federal Senatorfor New South Wales
• Eva Cox AO, Writer, Feminist, Sociologist, Social Commentator and Activist
• Kristine Ziwica, Journalist, Columnist and Consultant
• Alex Andrews, COO of Verve Super and Co-founder of Make It Free
• Dee Behan, Parent, Creative Director and Co-founder of Make It Free
• Michael Katerla, Parent and Communications Manager at The Parenthood
• Kalinda Bolt, Site Coordinator of the Women’s Business 2nd Chance Hub

BACKGROUND:

Australian families pay some of the highest out-of-pocket costs for early childhood education and care (ECEC) in the world. Even before the pandemic hit, 48% of parents with children under 5 years were struggling to afford ECEC.

Ahead of the May budget, we want to raise the issue of universal access to ECEC with the federal government and to do that we need to make the views and experiences of women, parents and families known.

Now we are in a recession, it will only get worse. This issue has needed to be addressed for years, but the unprecedented, turbulent times presented by the Covid19 pandemic have exacerbated the urgent need for reform.

Join the discussion on Mindhive

HOSTS:

Make It Free & The Parenthood