In welcoming the Prime Minister’s Closing the Gap Report 2015, Andrew Giles MP, warns the report sends a clear message that the Abbott Government must provide funding for Bubup Wilam Early Learning Centre in Thomastown.
“Sadly, the report confirms that the early education target was not met in 2013, with a 3 per cent backward slide in the number of Indigenous children enrolled in an early education program.
“This report is a clear warning to the Abbott Government – the cuts cannot continue.
The Bubup Wilam Early Learning Centre in Thomastown is one of 38 centres around the nation which are at critical risk of closure after the Abbott Government cut their funding last year.
“If Tony Abbott is serious about Closing the Gap he must strengthen efforts in early childhood education by funding Bubup Wilam and the other Children and Family Centres currently at critical risk of closure.
“There is a growing population of Indigenous people living in Melbourne’s north. It is crucial that their early years’ learning is supported.
“Bubup Wilam helps to reduce levels of disadvantage for local Indigenous children by providing integrated child and family services with a focus on quality early learning, child care and parent and family support.
“Bubup Wilam faces an uncertain future without federal funding.