Mrs SALLY QUINNELL (Camden) (11:27): My question is addressed to the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Education and Early Learning. Will the Deputy Premier update the House on how this Government is rebuilding the New South Wales education system and supporting children throughout the entirety of their schooling?
Ms PRUE CAR (Londonderry—Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning, Minister for Western Sydney, and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education) (11:27): I am very happy to answer that question from the member for Camden. As a former teacher, she understands just how important the education of our kids really is. It is really good that Government members understand what the priorities of government are. I congratulate all of my Government colleagues who stood up last night to firmly support the teachers of New South Wales against a last-ditch attempt by those opposite to consistently deny the teachers of New South Wales the respect they deserve. As a government, we are about supporting all of our children in education from the early years right through to TAFE, from valuing and supporting our hardworking teachers to giving children the very best possible start in life through preschool.
That is what next Tuesday's budget will be all about: investing in our essential services, which the Opposition tried to strip bare. Today we announced that we will invest $64 million—that is just part of the money, by the way—to boost access to high-quality early childhood education and care. For the first time, this Government is providing $500 in fee relief so more three-year-olds can access preschool in long day care programs. I know it is hard for those opposite to understand what that is: It is preschool programs in long day care centres.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Dubbo to order for the first time.
Ms PRUE CAR: Most parents know what I am talking about, even if members opposite do not understand it. Of course, that will be on top of existing Federal Government support.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for North Shore to order for the second time.
Ms PRUE CAR: Let me say this very slowly for members opposite: The funding is coming from the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund, which will be in next Tuesday's budget.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for North Shore to order for the third time.
Ms PRUE CAR: It was a fund we supported. In fact, we strengthened it with amendments during our time in opposition. It took the Liberals and The Nationals 12 years to say they were going to do something about early learning and care.
Mr Jihad Dib: They were gonna.
Ms PRUE CAR: That is true; they were gonna. They are the gonna parties. I have to address the claim made by the member for Tamworth last night in the public interest debate. We are not cutting the fund. Let me say that clearly: We are not cutting the fund. I am sorry to take away his tactic for today, but we are not cutting the fund. Unlike those opposite, we will ensure that the fund directly supports those who need it most: the children, the families and the early childhood education workforce. Rather than putting money in the bank account—and I acknowledge that that is what the previous Government did—we are going to deliver programs to support the sector and provide extra fee relief for families. We are committed to helping make preschool more affordable and accessible for more families in our State. [Extension of time]
We can do this, and we can do this at the same time as we properly and fairly pay our teachers. Last night the member for Tamworth essentially argued that the way to deal with this was to cut all teachers' pay. The bizarre argument was that we have to keep the wages of all educators low. That is the Liberal and The Nationals way.
The SPEAKER: The member for Tamworth will cease interjecting.
Mr Dugald Saunders: Point of order: My point of order is taken under Standing Order 73 again. If the Minister wants to take issue with a member, she can do so through the proper means.
The SPEAKER: The Minister can do that, but citing Standing Order 73 is an over-application of the standing orders in this case. I do not uphold the point of order. The Minister will continue her answer.
Ms PRUE CAR: I do take issue with the member, and with his disdain for teachers. He should note that while he has been a member of Parliament, teacher vacancies in his electorate have increased by 900 per cent—so that is really great work, mate. The Premier made reference to the former Treasurer saying that teacher vacancies and shortages were a fairytale. He is going to be wearing that for a long time, I am sorry. The only fairytale thing about this is the Pinocchios opposite who are spending more time fantasising and not enough time in our schools. Maybe they should have spoken to teachers.
Mr Alister Henskens: Point of order: The Minister is not addressing her comments through the Chair, and she keeps using offensive expressions against the Opposition.
The SPEAKER: The Clerk will stop the clock.
Mr Alister Henskens: As the education Minister and someone who should be setting an example of good behaviour, she is falling very short.
The SPEAKER: The member for Wahroonga will resume his seat. I call the member for Wahroonga to order for the first time. That is not the way to take a point of order. There is no point of order.
Ms PRUE CAR: If my only crime is being passionate on behalf of all the children of New South Wales, then I am happy to be accused of that every day. When it comes to language, maybe Opposition members should take responsibility for the language they use against teachers. [Time expired.]
