BACKING COMMUNITY PRESCHOOLS

The NSW Parliament has been told the government must scrap its controversial funding model for community preschools across the state and maintain existing funding, with increases to meet wage equity, in line with the wishes of thousands of families.

In a private member's statement on November 11, the Independent Member for Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, warned the proposed Universal Funding Model would lead to job losses, reduced places for children and in some cases, cause preschools to close.

"The government must abandon the universal funding model, continue the current funding throughout 2027 with increases to meet wage equity and go back to the drawing board to develop funding that will nurture the community preschool system, not harm it," he said.

"It is not yet too late. There is time to deliver a well-planned funding model that will support the future of the state's families in an affordable and constructive way."

Dr McGirr cited the concerns of two Tumut mothers, Clair Keenan and Hannah Goldspink, who fear children will miss out on invaluable early learning experiences.

The statement follows a meeting between Dr McGirr and representatives from eight local community preschools last week.

"Without exception, the passionate and dedicated educators and parents from these preschools are deeply alarmed by the government's approach – fears that are shared by parents from well beyond my electorate," he said.

"If there is any doubt about the depth of concerns, consider an approach to my office from Adelong preschool alone, where parents of more than half of all children there have written to me to express their dismay at serious funding shortfalls.

"That comes from just one preschool, but the concerns are shared by many."

A petition against the funding model sponsored by the Independent Member for Wollondilly, Judy Hannan, had gathered a staggering 39,000 signatures – proof that the government will ignore the wishes of parents at its peril.

Dr McGirr also raised concerns for community preschools based at non-government schools which face losing their director positions under the proposed new model.