Four ways the budget supports children and young people

Federal budgets often provide for benefits that can be realised in the next 12 months, but on Tuesday night we saw a distinct focus on the future wellbeing of our youngest generations.

The spending announced for early education and childcare, and mental health will help to set the foundation for long term benefits which will continue for many years to come.

Among the highlights, the treasurer committed to $1.6 billion in preschool funding for children to attend for 15 hours per week in the year before school.

This is an investment that PWC research shows will deliver double that amount to the economy in years to come by laying strong foundations for our nation’s children to become active participants in our economy.

In addition, the budget expenditure begins to help address the mental health fallout from the pandemic affecting many young people. Dedicated mental health initiatives for 12-25 year-olds received $278 million in funding and early intervention programs for children under 12 years of age received a further $100 million.

These commitments are strong pillars from which to build essential reform in childcare and mental health, which we encourage the government to expand in years to come.

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