Federal election 2019: Key ALP early education policy in jeopardy with Centre Alliance

Labor is facing a blockage from Centre Alliance on another flagship policy, with its idea of children attending school two days a week from the age of three in jeopardy.

• Review day 27 of the campaign

Labor is facing a blockage from Centre Alliance on another flagship policy, with its idea of children attending school two days a week from the age of three in jeopardy.

A day after ruling out supporting Labor’s franking credits changes, SA-based Centre Alliance opposed its early education changes

But senators have been urged to look at the evidence supporting the policy before killing it off.

In SA, Centre Alliance, which could strengthen its already strong crossbench role after the May 18 election, and the Australian Conservatives, which holds another crucial vote in the Senate, have questioned the virtues of the policy.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Labor’s early childhood education spokeswoman Amanda Rishworth meet children and staff at the Deakin & Community Childcare Co-operative in Burwood, Melbourne, last week. Picture: AAP Image/Daniel Pockett

However, Labor’s early childhood education spokeswoman Amanda Rishworth said the policy, which would give all children access to two years of part-time schooling from three, had undeniable educational and economic benefits.

“There is an overwhelming amount of evidence, which proves the benefits of early education for three-year-olds,” Ms Rishworth said.

“It’s a policy which delivers for our children and delivers for our economy.

“Recent research suggests that for every dollar spent on early education for three year olds, as a country, would get $4 back.”

The policy is expected to cost $1.7 billion over the forward estimates.

Centre Alliance Senator Stirling Griff told The Advertiser his party did not support the proposal.

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However, unlike Labor’s franking credits policy, which he said was a non-negotiable, Senator Griff left the door open for some negotiation.

“Our view is that it should be up to the parents to decide whether or not their child should participate,” he said.

“We have no issue whatsoever with participation if it works for the parents.”

Australian Conservatives Senate candidate Rikki Lambert was less conciliatory.

“We oppose Labor’s sugar-coated plans to indoctrinate children from the youngest possible age in socialism and politically correct thinking,” Mr Lambert said.

“The Conservatives support stronger families, parental rights and less government indoctrination.”

Ms Rishworth said the policy would benefit 42,000 three- and four-year-olds in SA.

The two parties needed to explain their opposition in the face of “overwhelming research”, she said.

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