For Darwin father Leo Boudib, education and the cost of living are top concerns as the Northern Territory election approaches next month. His two children are in child care, a crucial phase for early development. While Boudib’s family can afford the costs, he worries that many NT parents aren’t as fortunate.
“We need a lot of people having the option [of free preschool] if they want it, if they need it,” he said. “There are parents out there who would really appreciate the extra support — it can be really expensive.”
As the election campaign heats up, both major NT parties have either released or are developing policies on early childhood education.
This week, Territory Labor pledged to double the number of free preschool hours for four-year-olds at some NT schools. Advocates for better childhood education welcomed the move, but the teachers’ union has requested more details about the $35 million plan.
“Preschool education needs to be very much play-based, it’s high energy,” said Michelle Ayres, president of the Australian Education Union NT branch. “I would be really worried if this new version of preschool was just stretching it out to just become like a child-minding service.”
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Ayres added that more specifics on the resources provided to preschools under the plan would alleviate the union’s concerns.
On Wednesday, Territory Labor leader Eva Lawler announced plans to increase free preschool hours for four-year-olds from 15 to 30 hours per week. Lawler promoted the initiative as a “cost-of-living measure” that could save families up to $5,000 per child and improve educational outcomes.
“Having a child in full-time education in preschool means we will be able to see real growth in a young person’s learning,” she said.
Lawler stated that if Labor is elected, the expanded hours would be introduced at 10 schools in the first year after the election, and at 25 schools by 2028, covering less than half of NT’s primary schools.
Sarah Rheinberger, convenor of the NT Early Childhood Alliance, praised Labor’s policy as a “great first step.”
“It’s a super important issue. It affects many, many families across the Northern Territory, from lots of different demographics,” she said.
Rheinberger also called for commitments on recruitment, noting the NT’s shortage of early childhood educators. “One of the actions in the Northern Territory Early Childhood Alliance Action Plan is a $10 million investment into the workforce for that purpose,” she said.
She expressed optimism that both political sides were engaging with the issue and showing promising signs.
The Country Liberal Party (CLP) has not yet detailed its early childhood policy ahead of the August 24 election, where the cost of living is expected to be a major voter issue. CLP education spokeswoman Jo Hersey said the party is considering the proposal and will consult with parents and families before unveiling its policy.
“Working with communities, we will ensure kids get the support they need and are prepared for school,” she said.