WILLIAMSON BACKS COMMUNITY PRESCHOOLS IN FIGHT FOR FAIR PAY

Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has thrown his full support behind community-based preschools and their educators across New South Wales, joining today’s Day of Action outside the NSW Parliament where hundreds of teachers, educators, and supporters rallied for fair pay and funding.

Mr Williamson, who has spoken twice in the Parliament in recent weeks about the crisis facing community preschools, said the NSW Labor Government’s continued refusal to adequately fund the sector shows “a complete lack of respect” for early childhood teachers and the families they support.

“Community-based preschools deliver some of the highest quality early education in the state, yet their teachers are paid up to 30 per cent less than their colleagues in public preschools — even though they hold the same qualifications and do exactly the same work,” Mr Williamson said.

“These educators are the heart of our communities — passionate, professional and deeply committed to giving children the best start in life. They deserve fair pay, not platitudes.”

Mr Williamson said he was disappointed to receive a response from a Parliamentary Secretary, rather than the Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning, Courtney Houssos, after recently raising the issue directly with the Government.

“If ever there was a signal that this Government doesn’t care about our early childhood educators, it’s that the Minister couldn’t even respond herself,” he said.

“This is a sector in crisis — preschools are struggling to keep staff, enrolments are being capped, and families are feeling the pressure. The Minns Labor Government is asleep at the wheel.”

The Independent Education Union’s Day of Action brought together more than 400 participants at Sydney’s Martin Place, alongside local events in regional areas including the Northern Rivers.

Mr Williamson said he was pleased to meet with Melinda Gambley, Vice-President of the Northern Rivers Preschool Alliance and Director of Clunes Community Preschool, describing her as “a wonderful advocate for her profession and for regional preschools.”

“Our community-based preschools are not-for-profit, run by mums, dads and volunteers. They do it because they care — but they can’      t keep carrying the burden alone,” Mr Williamson said.

“The NSW Government must step up, join the supported bargaining process, and deliver fair and sustainable funding for the sector — just as governments in Victoria and Queensland have already done.”

Mr Williamson said he would continue to raise the issue in the NSW Parliament until the Government delivers pay fairness and long-term certainty for community preschools.

PHOTOS: Richie is pictured with Melinda Gambley, Vice-President of the Northern Rivers Preschool Alliance and Director of Clunes Community Preschool along with his Nationals colleague, the Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest.  Shadow Minister for Education & Early Learning (former Minister for Education and Early Learning) The Hon Sarah Mitchell addresses the 400-strong crowd in Martin Place, Sydney.