- Putting Queensland Kids First final plan released
- New Premier Steven Miles has pledged more than $501 million to implement the plan across Queensland
- Initiatives will give Queensland families more support, from the conception of a child
Kids in Queensland will receive unprecedented backing with the launch of the Miles Government's Putting Queensland Kids First: Giving our kids the opportunity of a lifetime plan.
With $501.9 million of Miles Government investment, Putting Queensland Kids First will support children from their earliest years, for their long-term health and wellbeing, enhancing the prosperity of families.
The plan has been shaped with input from Queensland families, experts, academics, advocates, and professionals in the sector across the state.
A significant portion of the investment will go toward more health checks for children in the first five years of their lives.
Putting Queensland Kids First boosts comprehensive support for kids and families, including $11.09 million for material supports, such as Pēpi-Pods® and essential material basics for parents who are experiencing adversity.
Pēpi-Pods® encompass safe sleeping education for parents and carers in addition to a small purpose-built plastic tub and bundles of essentials, with the purpose of reducing instances of Sudden and Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI).
The Miles Government will also invest $9.94 million in early hearing screenings and checks, to identify problems which can lead to developmental delays.
For expectant and new parents, the Miles Government will expand the Connecting2U Program to all Queensland families.
Connecting2U provides weekly text messaging for all Queensland families during pregnancy and extending to five years, with prompts and strategies to support healthy development, parental wellbeing, community connections and information about where to access more support if they need it.
The package will also include a dedicated $15 million partnership fund for non-government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations.
Many initiatives in Putting Queensland Kids First will be led by community service providers, providing access to the earliest possible support and responding directly to the diversity of Queensland's families and communities.
As stated by Premier Steven Miles
"Making sure we give every Queensland child the best start in life is a personal passion of mine.
"Kim and I know how hard raising children can be and sadly some Queensland children aren't growing up in the kind of loving, nurturing environment I think every child deserves.
"This strategy aims to better coordinate those efforts to achieve measurable improvements for all children, especially those from disadvantaged or vulnerable backgrounds.
"Health outcomes start to be determined from the moment of conception, so we will increase efforts directed at keeping mums and bubs healthy during pregnancy.
"Once babies are born, we will make sure they get the support and healthcare they need by sending dedicated nurses to their homes.
"We will prevent infant deaths by providing Pepi-Pods for mums to take home with them. These plastic tubs provide proven safe sleeping spaces for newborns.
"These are just some of the half a billion dollars worth of initiatives in this new strategy.
"I'm determined to do what matters for Queensland - including making sure every Queensland child gets the best possible start in life."
As stated by Education Minister Di Farmer:
"The Miles Government is doing what matters to Queenslanders and investing in Queensland kids.
"We know a strong start in life is critical in setting our children up for their schooling and a bright future.
"That is why this year we introduced free kindy for all Queensland kids
"We have worked together with experts, parents and carers to finalise our Putting Queensland Kids First plan. It builds on the range of initiatives our Government is already delivering to support Queensland families and children.
"Adverse childhood experiences - like poverty, family violence and disrupted access to healthcare or education - can result in a higher risk of contact with the youth justice system.
"Our plan ensures all our children will be supported – from pregnancy and birth to school and beyond, giving the best chance at having the best start in life.
"We are investing more than half a billion dollars to empower families and caregivers to provide for their child's health and wellbeing, so Queensland's kids have the appropriate support where they need it most and at the right time."
As stated by Health Minister Shannon Fentiman:
"It is crucial we give our kids the absolute best start in life because we know that early childhood experiences have a significant influence on a young person's future.
"We understand the pivotal role that proactive healthcare plays in shaping overall health outcomes, and the early years are our best opportunity for prevention and early intervention support.
"Our Government is dedicated to breaking down healthcare barriers, to ensure all families can access worldclass healthcare, no matter where they live.
"This is not only about supporting our little ones but also delivering the right services and support for parents and caregivers.
"Prioritising the future of our little ones is one of the best investments for the long-term health, wellbeing, safety and prosperity of our community.
"To ensure this initiative is a success, we plan to employ up to 100 clinical staff across Queensland over four years. This includes health workers, clinical nurses and social workers."
Additional information:
The Putting Queensland Kids First: Giving our kids the opportunity of a lifetime plan can be found at: www.qld.gov.au/about/putting-qld-kids-first
Investments include:
- $71.40 million for enhanced child health checks in the first five years of life
- $56.55 million for enhanced child development services in priority locations
- $42.66 million for family support coordinators in over 200 primary schools
- $29.86 million for Early Childhood Coordinators within existing child, family and community services
- $26.23 million to extend free kindy hours up to 30 hours per week in discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- $20 million for family and early years hubs in Aurukun and Kowanyama
- $11.64 million to support young parents at risk of homelessness
- $10.40 million for mental health support for parents, partners and families
- $10.73 million to provide health practitioners in 20 priority primary schools.
- $4.1 million to expand Connecting2U support to all Queensland families
