Early learning gets bold
It was a big win for Victorian families when free childcare was announced in April. But at the same time, we received news of a 50% cut to our early learning funding.
This cut was supposed to be supplemented by the introduction of JobKeeper. However, government funding across Uniting meant we were ineligible for the scheme – putting over 20 centres at risk.
Joining forces with Uniting NSW.ACT and UnitingCare Australia, we lobbied for amendments to JobKeeper.
In addition to advocating to the ATO, early learning managers contacted Members of Parliament in their local areas.
“The frontline managers did a great job,” said Uniting External Relations Advisor, Jesse Dean. “It can be confronting to make those phone calls.”
This collective effort resulted in changes that allowed non-profits to exclude government income from revenue loss calculations. Uniting qualified for JobKeeper, saving over 20 centres and keeping doors open to families.
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