ACT election 2020: Labor commits to giving three-year-old children free education

Mr Barr described the estimated $15 million-a-year commitment, to be announced on Monday, as "a major step" towards ACT Labor's goal of eventually providing 15 hours a week of free, quality early learning for three-year-olds.

"Already, every four-year-old in the ACT has access to 15 hours a week of early childhood education under a national partnership agreement," he said

"However, ACT Labor is committed to providing expanded access to early learning for families in the ACT.

"Well-established research has shown that the period from birth through to eight years - especially the first three years - sets the foundation for every child's social, physical, emotional and cognitive development."

Mr Barr said Labor, if re-elected, would deliver on the promise by the end of the next term of government.

He said that earlier this year, his government started providing 600 three-year-old children in need with access to 15 hours a week of free early childhood education.

"The most important factor for quality early childhood education is a skilled and stable workforce," Mr Barr said.

"ACT Labor will invest in local educators, supporting more people to get a degree qualification and ensure educators have access to professional development.

"For many families, access to early learning for children means access to the workforce for parents.

"As we navigate the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to remove barriers to workforce participation."

Meanwhile, the federal Coalition government on Sunday announced $305.6 million in new funding for families and childcare providers.

The money is largely targeted at Victoria, where childcare fees will be frozen until January 31 next year in light of the COVID-19 second wave lockdown.

Nationally, as part of the package, the test that determines how much subsidised childcare a family can access has been eased until April 4.