Jay Weatherill has demanded the federal government provide Australia's early learning sector with free RATs and income support following today's National Cabinet meeting.
Jay Weatherill has demanded the federal government provide Australia's early learning sector with free RATs and income support following today's National Cabinet meeting.
That meeting, held as COVID-19 infections continue to soar across most of Australia, was held to consider an agreed upon policy for when schools will reopen.
No agreement was reached, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison this afternoon confirming states would make their own decision on the matter in the coming days.
Some states, such as Queensland and South Australia, have already decided to push back the start of term one in the hope Omicron infections in those jurisdictions will soon peak.
Others, such as New South Wales, have remained steadfast in reopening schools as scheduled, with Premier Dominic Perottet today saying rapid testing would likely be used to ensure continued operations in the state’s schools.
Western Australian students are due to return to the classroom on January 31, just five days before the state’s border reopens to the rest of the country.
Mr Weatherill, who leads Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five initiative, was critical of today’s deliberations, arguing early learning centres across Australia would continue to close without the federal government providing certainty and support to protect children.
“Despite children under five remaining the only cohort of Australians unable to access a vaccine, this plan falls short of what’s needed to protect them in an education and care setting,” he said.
“The National Cabinet meeting today has failed to result in greater surety for parents, educators or the early learning sector.
“Early learning centres that are not closed already have been abandoned to navigate inconsistent rules, surging Omicron exposure and staff furloughing.
“Parents are confused and under pressure, and many will be left no choice but to take leave if their local centre is closed or operating at reduced capacity.
“This will leave workforce gaps for business and the economy, especially in sectors that are already stretched or on the frontline.”
Mr Weatherill’s comments come as businesses across Australia struggle with unprecedented absenteeism because of the virus’ spread.
And while National Cabinet did agree to a national framework for schools and the early childhood education sector earlier this month, no mention was made of the use of rapid testing or the ideal length of time for which educators should isolate if exposed to, or infected with, COVID-19.
Mr Weatherill said Thrive by Five was calling for clear guidelines for close contacts, free RATs for educators and families, and an 85 per cent guarantee for educators’ income, as so to minimise the impact of the virus in the coming weeks.
“These straightforward asks for tests, protocols and income support are needed immediately to help stop this health and workforce crisis from spiralling out of control,” he said.
