The Australian Education Union today called on the Coalition parties to match the ALP's commitment to early childhood education.

"Australia needs a national vision and a national plan for preschool education," said AEU Federal President, Mr Denis Fitzgerald, speaking at the launch of a new research report on the benefits of quality preschool education.

The report, No Small Matter, argues that preschool education must be free, accessible and available to all children in the city and the bush.

The report shows that quality preschool education has a positive effect on children's intellectual and learning skills as they enter school. The benefits are long lasting, leading to a greater chance of high school completion, higher employment rates and better earnings as an adult.

"Unfortunately, Australia has failed to take early childhood education seriously," said Fitzgerald. "The reality is that access to a quality public preschool education is patchy."

"Without national coordination, many children will continue to miss out on this critical first step to learning, simply on the basis of where they live. That should be completely unacceptable to the Australian community."

"The AEU has called on all political parties to commit to a national plan for early childhood education. The policies announced so far by Labor, Democrats and Greens show that they have grasped the importance of this issue. The silence from the Liberals, both in government and during this election campaign, stands in stark contrast."

Researchers Robin Hull and Sally Edsall's study examines international research and evidence on the development and life outcomes of children. The evidence of the benefits of early educational experience is clear and strong.

No Small Matter was launched by former Victorian Premier, the Hon. Joan Kirner at a National Early Childhood Roundtable meeting in Melbourne today. Copies of the 40 page report are available from the AEU, ph 03 9254 1800.

Contact:
AEU Federal President, Denis Fitzgerald on mob. 0416 254 154

Authorised by D. Fitzgerald, AEU President, 120 Clarendon St, Southbank Vic. 3006 Australia