News

In the lead up to the WA State Election, Anglicare WA is advocating for ‘A Fair Life’ through the following four election priorities to encourage ‘A Better WA’ for all:

1. Affordable cost of living
2. Housing 
3. Freedom from domestic violence and abuse 
4.  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recognition and justice 

We welcome two recent developments in alignment with our advocacy priority ‘Affordable cost of living’. 

WA Labor's Pledge for Free, Full-Time Kindergarten 

The first development is WA Labor’s announcement on 3 February pledging nearly $50 million to trial free, full-time kindergarten and out-of-school care.  This includes $33.8 million to pilot full-time kindergarten at 10 locations across the state commencing in 2027 and $15 million for a major expansion of out-of-school-hours care at primary schools. 

This announcement has been welcomed as both a cost-of-living measure and an enhancement of the early childhood experience and family outcomes.  It is also a positive step towards one of Anglicare WA’s specific election asks: providing universal access to high quality early childhood education and care. 

As part of the announcement, WA Labor also revealed the establishment of an Office for Early Childhood Education, which Anglicare WA has long advocated for.  This new office aims to coordinate and oversee early education policy across the state, ensuring greater accessibility and support for WA’s youngest learners. 

Anglicare WA’s CEO, Mark Glasson, expressed his support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to level the playing field for children across Western Australia. "Investing in early childhood education is one of the most effective ways to reduce inequality and ensure that all children, regardless of their background, can access quality education from the start. The establishment of the Office for Early Childhood Education is a critical step toward making that happen," he said. 

A special visit from the Deputy Premier and Treasurer of Western Australia Hon Rita Saffioti MLA 

The second development is a ministerial visit to one of Anglicare WA’s Child and Parent Centres (CPCs).  The CPC in Arbor Grove was excited to welcome Hon Rita Saffioti MLA to the space on 30 January and discuss the incredible work that takes place there, as well as the need for more of them. 

CPC Arbor Grove is one of 22 CPCs across Western Australia that support local families with children up to eight years old.  Located at or near local primary schools, CPCs work collaboratively with their local school, health, and community services to support parents and their children in preparation for starting school and to become happy, confident learners.  CPCs provide advice, programs, and services that are inclusive, accessible, and tailored to meet the needs of local community.  Families can access programs and services at CPCs for free. 
 
CPC services and support may include: 

• To learn more about our CPCs, please click here. 

• To see a video of Hon Rita Saffioti MLA’s visit to CPC Arbor Grove, please click here. 

• To stay on top of the latest news development or learn more about our election priorities, please click here.