ARACY is proud to have signed the More than Money joint statement, a powerful call to action advocating for the removal of non-financial barriers that prevent children from accessing quality early childhood education and care (ECEC).
Early learning plays a crucial role in shaping lifelong outcomes, yet one in ten children in Australia continues to miss out, even when financial barriers are removed. This is particularly concerning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children with disabilities, those from low-income families, and those from non-English speaking backgrounds. These children stand to benefit the most from high-quality early education, yet they face additional challenges such as transport difficulties, disability access barriers, and a lack of culturally safe services.
The More than Money joint statement, led by Uniting, calls on government, policymakers, and the sector to prioritise solutions that address these barriers. Programs like Uniting’s Links to Early Learning initiative demonstrate the impact that dedicated community-based support can have in ensuring more children enrol and remain engaged in early learning.
ARACY’s commitment to improving outcomes for children aligns strongly with this initiative. As part of our advocacy for a more equitable and accessible ECEC system, we are pleased to stand alongside Uniting and other sector leaders in championing this vital work. Addressing non-financial barriers is essential to achieving true universal access to early learning and ensuring that no child is left behind.
We encourage other organisations to join us in signing the More than Money joint statement. To learn more or to add your organisation’s support, please contact Alexandra Hogan, Social Justice Lead at Uniting, at ahogan@uniting.org.
Together, we can make a difference by ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive through access to quality early learning.
