Labor’s state budget has dealt a cruel blow to Wimmera and Mallee communities, failing to confirm crucial ongoing funding for the By Five Early Years Initiative.
By Five works with families, service providers and researchers to ensure all families in the region have access to quality universal early years services, and also works to improve access to services such as paediatric specialists and primary care.
Member for Lowan and Deputy Leader of The Nationals, Emma Kealy, said an initial four-year funding contract was due to end in June, and despite incredible advocacy and community support, By Five was not listed in the budget papers for ongoing funding.
“By Five is a tremendous local program that has made significant advancements in improving health and education outcomes for children in the Wimmera and Southern Mallee, and it’s absolute shameful that the Allan Labor Government has not confirmed funding to allow this amazing organisation to continue its vital work,” she said.
“I call on the government to immediately verify if By Five will receive ongoing funding and, if not, explain why to our communities that rely on and support this wonderful initiative.”
Ms Kealy said the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership, which initiated By Five in response to poor early years indicators for children across the region, appears to have also been ignored by Labor in Tuesday’s budget.
“It appears that the nine Regional Partnerships across the state are yet another victim of Labor’s inability to manage money, with funding not identified for 25-26,” she said.
“The partnerships were formed to advise government about regional priorities, and have played a pivotal role in ensuring regional voices are heard and addressed.
“But instead of backing these partnerships to continue their important work, Labor is shutting regional voices out.”