Local families have been left in the lurch, with the Abbott Government still refusing to commit to ongoing kindergarten funding.

Leader of the Opposition and Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten said the Abbott Government was refusing to fund Universal Access kindergarten hours from next year.

“Moonee Valley, Brimbank and Maribyrnong families have been left waiting, with the Abbott Government still refusing to provide any certainty about whether they will fund these hours or not,” he said.

“With the funding due to expire in just months, local families and kindergarten need to know what to expect.”

“Without this Federal money kindergarten hours will be slashed, fees will rise and some services could be forced to close their doors.”

“This is yet another shocking example of this Budget putting more pressure on the cost of living, not less.”

Mr Shorten said the current funding ensured that all four-year-olds had access to 15 hours of education in the year before school.

“We know that attending kindergarten helps ensure our kids get the best start in life,” he said.

“But if the Abbott Government refuses to provide this support, kindergarten hours will be slashed from 15 to just 10.”

Established under Labor in 2008, Universal Access funding aims to ensure that over time, every Australian child has access to 15 hours of quality education in the year before school.

ENDS