Child’s play becomes political tug-of-war as Labor announces plans to build Kuranda kindy

Kuranda families will have a safe space for bubs and toddlers with Labor’s candidate for Leichhardt Matt Smith committing $5m to build a kindergarten in the rainforest village, if elected.

ALP candidate for Leichhardt, Matt Smith, environment minister Tanya Plibersek and Senator for Queensland Nita Green at a press conference in Bentley Park announcing $5m to build a new kindergarten in Kuranda. Picture: Samuel Davis

Kuranda families will have a safe space for bubs and toddlers with Labor’s candidate for Leichhardt Matt Smith committing $5m to build a kindergarten in the rainforest village, if elected.

But the Coalition hasn’t ruled out making a similar commitment with rival candidate Jeremy Neal critical of the provision of the largely privatised service in the Far North under the ALP.

Labor candidate for Leichhardt at a press conference in Bentley Park announcing $5m to build a new kindergarten in Kuranda. Picture: Samuel Davis

Labor has made early childhood care a key election topic with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backing pay rises for workers and “universal” affordable childcare for all Australians.

A new early learning centre in the Tablelands town would give parents and guardians the chance to take up work opportunities while knowing that their children are being cared for in a supportive environment, Mr Smith said.

“This is on top of Anthony Albanese’s commitments to early childhood education,” Mr Smith said.

“Not only will there be more childcare centres but we’ll increase the wages of workers by 15 per cent. You’ve got three days per week of subsidised childcare for everybody.

“The means testing has been taken away to ensure that working parents have that surety that they will have a childcare place for their kid.”

LNP candidate for Leichhardt Jeremy Neal. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr Neal said rural and remote towns needed more services like childcare to improve the standard of living across the electorate.

“Regional communities are hurting more than ever after years of neglect under Labor, with childcare services and staffing shortages some of the many issues they’re grappling with,” he said.

“While I haven’t received any proposals or funding requests for kindergarten in Kuranda, I would certainly welcome this should I be elected.”

Originally published as Child’s play becomes political tug-of-war as Labor announces plans to build Kuranda kindy