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Education Youth Community facilities | February 10, 2016

Premier caught out on ‘Free Kinder’ promise

Premier Daniel Andrews has been caught out on his promise of free kindergarten for drought ravaged communities.

On 15 November 2015, Daniel Andrews told a community meeting at Birchip:

“Free kinder, so no kinder fees, for anyone sending their kids to kinder over those 10 local government areas.” ABC Birchip Daniel Andrews free kinder - 15 Nov 2015

However, parents and kindergartens are being told by the Education Department that free kindergarten is not for everyone and will be means tested against eligibility criteria.

Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy said Daniel Andrews must apologise to kindergartens and parents for this mess and deliver his commitment of free kindergarten for all families in the Horsham Rural City, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh, West Wimmera and Northern Grampians shires.

“When Daniel Andrews announced free kinder, he never mentioned eligibility criteria or means testing,” Ms Kealy said.

“Kindergarten started two weeks ago and service providers are issuing fees notices for 2016.

“Droughts impact communities well beyond the farm gate and Daniel Andrews must deliver what he promised –free kindergarten for everyone in our shires,” she said.