$49.3 million investment into early childhood initiative

• Unprecedented 10-year partnership to give WA children the best start to life

The State Government, Minderoo Foundation and Telethon Kids Institute have today announced a $49.3 million investment into a long-term early childhood initiative.

The unprecedented 10-year partnership will see community leaders, all levels of government, researchers, business and philanthropic organisations come together to look at ways to better design and deliver services for children aged 0-4 years.

Four communities across metropolitan, regional and remote Western Australia will be invited to take part in the initiative. These locations are yet to be confirmed.

Research shows that early childhood is the most critical lifespan phase if we want people to thrive. It also shows that a healthy and positive start to life can strengthen a child and help them to reach their full potential.

Despite significant investment in the early years, the developmental gap between children living in high and low socioeconomic areas has widened since 2009.

The new initiative will see organisations involved in childhood development working closely together, sharing data and tailoring responses for different communities.

The initiative will ensure that children in participating communities are starting school on an even playing field with their peers across the State. It will do so by supporting communities to implement a range of evidence-based changes to make better use of existing services and supports for families with young children.

The costs and resources of the initiative will be shared between the State Government and partners Minderoo Foundation and Telethon Kids Institute, with the State Government investing $24.6 million over 10 years, using existing funding.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

“Despite our best efforts, one in five children in WA are developmentally vulnerable.  This is shocking and demands a different approach in our community.

“We are committed to delivering better outcomes for young people, and this initiative will be one of the longest and most ambitious early years’ approaches in Australia.

“This initiative is about listening to WA families who are best placed to understand the needs of the children and communities, and how services in their local area can be improved. I believe this will result in genuine change.”

Comments attributed to Community Services Minister Simone McGurk:

“The physical, emotional and cognitive development of a child’s first years is pivotal. If we want to make a difference, concentrating our efforts on those first years is by far our best chance.

“The partnership is designed to provide a different, place-based approach to supporting families and empowering communities to drive the services that they need.

“We know that early childhood development is complex and this cannot be solved by Government alone – it requires a united effort. The Early Years Initiative will do exactly that.”

Premier’s office – 6552 5000

Community Services Minister’s office – 6552 6600