The NSW Liberals and Nationals have announced a plan to restore the Start Strong preschool funding framework, promising changes to early childhood education funding if they form government at the next state election.
The proposal, announced by NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, would reverse the funding arrangements scheduled to replace the existing Start Strong framework from 31 December 2026.
The Coalition says its plan aims to provide greater funding certainty for community preschools and approved preschool programs within long day care services, while supporting educators and maintaining access to early learning across metropolitan and regional New South Wales.
Commitment to Reinstate Start Strong
Kellie Sloane said a Liberal and Nationals Government would reinstate the Start Strong funding arrangements for both community preschools and long day care services.
She argued that the changes introduced by the Minns Labor Government could affect the quality and financial sustainability of early childhood education services.
“A NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will reverse Labor’s cuts to the Start Strong funding arrangements for both community preschools and long day care services,” Ms Sloane said.
She said stakeholders had raised concerns about the potential impact on preschool education for approximately 170,000 children across NSW.
Ms Sloane also highlighted the importance of preschool in helping children develop social skills, build confidence and prepare for their transition to primary school.
Regional Communities a Key Focus
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said regional families and early education providers could face particular challenges under the revised funding arrangements.
He said community preschools were important services in regional areas, where families may have fewer alternative early learning options.
“Families in our regions rely heavily on community preschools and they are telling us that children will miss out if Labor’s cuts proceed,” Mr Singh said.
He warned that the closure of community preschools could affect children’s access to early education, parents’ ability to work and the availability of important community services.
Four Key Areas in the Coalition’s Plan
The proposed early learning plan outlines several commitments:
1. Reinstate the Start Strong program
The Coalition proposes replacing the current funding methodology for community preschools with the previous Start Strong arrangements.
2. Extend funding to long day care preschool programs
The plan includes preschool program payments for approved long day care services. The Coalition says this would help ensure children attending these settings continue to receive support, noting that approximately 72 per cent of preschool-aged children are in long day care settings.
3. Negotiate educator wage increases
The party has committed to negotiating in good faith with community preschool educators on a fair wage increase. It has also criticised the current government’s approach to the Fair Work Commission’s directions.
4. Allocate the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund
The Coalition says it would ensure appropriate allocation of the former Liberal-National Government’s $5 billion Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund to support early learning services and families.
Concerns About Quality, Affordability and Access
Shadow Minister for Early Education Felicity Wilson said parents, educators and providers had raised concerns about the potential effects of the funding changes on service quality, affordability and choice.
“We’ve heard from parents, educators, and providers in communities right across NSW, and the message is consistent: they are worried about what Labor’s changes mean for quality, affordability and choice,” Ms Wilson said.
She also raised concerns about school readiness and the importance of investing in early childhood education before children begin formal schooling.
Early Learning Funding Remains a Key Issue
The announcement adds to the broader discussion about preschool funding, educator wages and access to early childhood education across NSW.
Community preschools and long day care services play an important role in supporting children’s development and helping families balance work and caring responsibilities.
The Coalition’s proposal outlines how it would approach early learning funding if elected. Its implementation would depend on the outcome of the state election and the formation of a government.
For families, educators and service providers, the details of future funding arrangements will remain important in determining the accessibility, affordability and sustainability of preschool education across the state.
