WA Labor commits to childcare plan as Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields towns grapple with shortage crisis

A Labor government will commit $5.1 million to increase access to early learning qualifications across regional WA if re-elected this weekend, but Hedland locals say retaining experts is still a major roadblock. The promise is aimed at improving child care in the Pilbara, Goldfields-Esperance and Kimberley regions which Labor acknowledged had “significant” wait lists, difficulties attracting staff and lack of facilities. As part of the scheme, Labor would cap fees for early childhood and education care courses as part of its lower fees, local skills initiative at $400 a year for concession students and young people while non-concession students could study at a cost of $1200 a year. Fee caps are also expected to apply to new trainees and other students completing their studies in alternative institutions. South Hedland’s Pundulmurra TAFE runs a Cert III and a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care but local mum and business owner Desiree Grossmith said more incentives were needed to keep “essential” child care educators in Hedland. “The costs (of child care) are extraordinary but it’s a really important job,” she said. “This town will always be transient...but (if) we are not paying childcare workers (well) no one will stay.” Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said access to early learning in the region was a challenge and Labor’s focus was to bolster the industry with more learning opportunities. “WA Labor’s pledge of $5.1 million into a range of initiatives to improve child care in the regions will make vital services more accessible and affordable for families in Hedland, Karratha and across the Pilbara,” he said. Mining giant BHP has committed more than $2 million to improving childcare in Port Hedland since 2019, including establishing eight day care centres and 40 placements for children. BHP port operations general manager Nilson Davila said finding child care was a challenge and the company was committed to improving services.