O’Brien-Lovell – $15 million in capital grants to support more Victorian early learning centres

· Victorian Coalition Government invests an additional $15 million in
children’s facility capital grants
· Since 2010 the Coalition Government has delivered $120 million in
children’s facility capital grants
· Coalition Government building a better Victoria by investing in
children’s early learning centres

More Victorian families will be able to access more kindergarten places thanks to the Victorian Coalition Government’s $15 million investment in children’s capital grants in the 2014/15 Victorian State Budget.

Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Wendy Lovell alongside Treasurer and Member for Malvern Michael O’Brien made the pre-budget announcement at the Sunnyside Kindergarten in Malvern.

In making the announcement, Mr O’Brien said the capital grants are a key investment in the future of Victorian families.

“This $15 million brings the total investment in children’s facility capital grants to more than $120 million in this term of government, which is a record investment in early childhood infrastructure.

“This investment is part of the Coalition Government’s plan to make Victoria a world leader in young children’s learning and development,” Mr O’Brien said.

Ms Lovell said Victoria already leads the nation in early childhood education and care and by improving services the Coalition Government is making Victoria an even better place for families to raise their children.

“I am delighted to announce with the Treasurer a $15 million investment that will allow more Victorian families to benefit from our excellent early years services.

“Improving the quality of early years facilities and boosting access to services are part of the Coalition Government’s plan to build a better Victoria,” Ms Lovell said.

Ms Lovell said the investment in the children’s capital grants program was designed to support Victoria to deliver on the goals outlined in the Victorian Early Years Strategic Plan, which was launched in March this year.

“Becoming a global leader in the early years means better connecting families with services, improving support for vulnerable families, and increasing our focus on learning for every child from day one.”