Labor Candidate for Braddon, Anne Urquhart today announced that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will invest up to $4 million towards building a new child care facility in Devonport.

Federal Labor has already made child care cheaper for more than 1 million Australian families. But we know that families are struggling to find a local child care place.

That’s why Labor’s candidate for Braddon is announcing an election commitment to more than double the number of places available at the Malangenna Children’s Centre in Devonport, to provide early learning and care for around 150 children.

The funding will support the construction of an additional new building at the current location, with the service responsible for providing the land for construction.

Only Labor has a plan to build a universal early childhood education system that is simple, affordable and accessible for every family and where every child is guaranteed access to at least three days of high-quality early childhood education and care.

Labor knows that building Australia’s future is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about investing in people, in skills, and in education.

That’s why the Albanese Labor Government has replaced the Liberal’s unfair Activity Test with a 3 Day Guarantee.

Thanks to the Albanese Labor Government, families will be eligible to access at least three days a week of subsidised child care from January 2026.

We’ve also funded a 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators – helping grow the workforce so more children can access early education. We’ll also keep fees low for families by capping fee increases as part of this wage increase.

All of this would be at risk under Peter Dutton, who has said he will reverse Labor’s 3 Day Guarantee.

Labor wants to open the doors of opportunity to all children while Peter Dutton wants to slam them shut, leaving families in Braddon worse off.

Only Labor understands that an investment in quality early education and care is an investment in Australia’s future.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Funding will be provided subject the Devonport Child Care Centres Inc. successfully purchasing the proposed site and securing necessary planning advice and approvals. Consistent with other commitments, the Centre will be responsible for funding the purchase of land.

Quotes attributable to Labor Candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart:

“This is all about giving our kids the best start in life and getting them ready for school.”

“There is an overwhelming need for additional child care places in Braddon and this is a first step to meeting needs on the Coast.”

“I will always stand up for our communities and I will work hard to make sure that an Albanese Labor Government delivers better access to child care right across the electorate.”

“Peter Dutton and the Liberal Candidate for Braddon are a risk to universal access to child care for families in Braddon.”

“Investing in child care is an investment in our future – ensuring our littlest residents have the best possible start in life.”