“Early childhood education is the first step in our kids learning experience.

“The benefits of this initiative will not only support our kids, but will support working families and encourage female participation in the workforce.

“Ensuring our kids receive the best education possible is a high priority for Australia’s universities.

“Universities teach the workforce of the future, prepare young Australians for their careers and deepen the skills of the existing workforce.

“The university-qualified workforce has meant the Australian economy is $161 billion bigger.

“In 2020, there were around 13,000 university students specialising in early childhood education.

“We need more education – not less, and more skilled graduates – not fewer to fulfil the needs of a modern economy and society.

“Universities will continue to work closely with the New South Wales and Victorian Governments’ to ensure we can support these important reforms through the skilled and highly trained educators we produce.”