The Minns Labor Government is cutting critical preschool funding across New South Wales, undermining quality early learning, child development, and working families.
The reality behind the Minns Labor Government’s early childhood funding spin has been exposed, with members of the sector’s peak body, Early Learning & Care Council of Australia identifying that Labor is stripping $150 million in funding from long day care preschool programs, while the Independent Education Union has warned that Labor’s funding model threatens the viability of not-for-profit community preschools.
Member for Manly, James Griffin MP said parents and local providers have been blindsided while the Minister for Early Learning, Prue Car remains asleep at the wheel, ignoring urgent concerns from across the sector.
“Services, educators and parent committees have raised their concerns and requested funding certainty so they can plan for the future,” Mr Griffin said.
“Instead of listening, the Minister has ignored their pleas, leaving local families, services and children to pay the price.”
Whether delivered through dedicated community preschools or integrated long day care settings, quality preschool programs rely on adequate state funding to maintain safe learning environments, provide educational resources, and support the educators who are critical to children’s development and school readiness.
“Without transparent and adequate funding, local services face severe operational pressure, forcing them to absorb rising costs, reduce investment in quality learning for children, or pass higher fees directly onto parents,” Mr Griffin said.
“Our children’s early education on the Northern Beaches and beyond should never be compromised by funding cuts, and local families should not be left to pick up the tab for government shortfalls.”
Shadow Minister for Early Education, Felicity Wilson MP said Labor was putting at risk the progress NSW has made in expanding access to quality learning in the years before school.
“Quality preschools don’t happen by accident. Funding supports educators, professional development, mentoring, programming and educational resources that give children the best possible start to school,” Ms Wilson said.
“The Minister is missing in action while services plead for certainty and a sustainable funding model. This is a failure that puts pressure on families, services and the quality early education our children deserve.”
Last modified: September 23, 2026
