Get Involved - Parliament

Early Childhood Education

Published on: August 2026

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-168038

Early Childhood Education

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore) (11:19:44):

My question is directed to the Minister for Education and Early Learning. Tommy Schumacher and his family are in the gallery today. On 21 July it was reported that Tommy had been excluded from day care due to disability. His parents say that they have received no assistance despite contacting the Minister's office and the member for South Coast. Why has the Government ignored Tommy and his family? Will the Minister commit to helping Tommy get back into early learning, along with other kids just like him?

Ms PRUE CAR (LondonderryDeputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning, and Minister for Western Sydney) (11:20:17):

— I thank the member for North Shore for that question, which, I understand, relates to the decision of the provider, Budawang Early Learning Centre, to cease the enrolment of a child with additional needs. Obviously, that is very concerning. My understanding is that the Department of Education owns the land that the early learning centre is on and manages the licence agreement. But, obviously, this was a decision made by the provider. I will go away and ensure that the department is doing everything possible within its remit. Of course, funding for disability support in long day care services, which we are talking about now in relation to Budawang Early Learning Centre, including the Inclusion Support Program, is actually the responsibility of the Federal Government.

But let me go away and see what the department can do to assist the family. I appreciate the member for North Shore bringing this family in in this matter. I will go away and ensure that we are doing everything possible we can do within our remit relating to that provider's decision. I commit to going away and doing that for that family. I appreciate that question from the member for North Shore.