Nationals Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson, said it's a disappointing blow for families that the Minns Labor government's announcement of 49 preschools for the "bush" will deliver just one new preschool for families in the electorate.
"Whilst I'm pleased that Taree will be receiving a new preschool, it is disheartening that the broader Myall Lakes community has been overlooked," Mrs Thompson said.
"I know how important it is for families to be able to access preschool for their children, which is why in government The Nationals launched the $5.8billion universal preschool reforms, which included building 500 new preschools across NSW, of which seven were for the Myall Lakes. This would help ensure every child could go to preschool for free for five days a week."
This visionary initiative has been gutted by NSW Labor, and sadly they will not be delivering any more preschools in our local communities in this term of government.
"It is completely unfair that our children will get nothing, and the Premier and Minister for Education must explain to the parents of the Myall Lakes electorate why their children will miss out," Mrs Thompson said.
Shadow Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said that many areas of regional NSW will completely miss out under the Minns Labor Government.
"The Labor Government has no intention to deliver the early childhood services our families in the bush need, and once again are showing a complete lack of knowledge and empathy for those who live outside of Newcastle, Sydney, and Wollongong.
"They are not going to be able to deliver free preschool for 5 days a week for every child, and it will be our children in the regions who will be left behind. Investment in early childhood services in the regions is critical to ensure our children are starting school with the emotional, social, and cognitive skills they need. But under Labor, our children and families are just not getting the support they need."
