Queensland Families Could Soon Access Free Kindergarten

Queensland families could be looking at free childcare as cost-of-living pressures reach an all-time high across the state. 

Kindergarten could become free under a proposed shake-up by the Palaszczuk government in a bid to address cost of living pressures. 

The move, that is likely to save Queensland families thousands of dollars, is being “seriously considered” in the lead up to the state’s Budget next month. 

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The premier indicated there would be “more than one or two” changes implemented to address the current cost of living crisis. 

“I represent a mainly working class electorate, so I am not oblivious to the fact that there is a lot going on out there,” the premier said.

Children who turn four within a financial year are eligible for kindergarten which usually acts as a part time early education program prior to children entering primary school. 

The current program allows 14,000 Queensland families access to free kindergarten including First Nations families, disadvantaged families and families with triplets. 

Another 26,000 families can receive between $500 and $3,500 off kindergarten costs dependent on whether the child attends a sessional kindergarten and other factors. 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she believes the government can do more to ease the financial pressure on Queensland families. 

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