AMA Submission Commonwealth Early Years Strategy Consultation
The AMA believes the vision for the nation regarding Australia’s youngest children should include the right for all Australian children to a healthy start to life, a safe and secure environment in which to live and equitable access to opportunities to help them learn, develop, and thrive.
The AMA’s submission to the Australian Government’s Early Years Strategy consultation recommends that the strategy is underpinned by the principles of equity and access. Every child has a right to a safe and healthy start to life, regardless of the social and cultural determinants they are born into.
This includes all children having access to appropriate health care and early childhood programs, universal services which are responsive to the needs of communities, as well as being culturally aware and safe. The strategy must be evidence based and informed by the lived experience of children and families.
