The Labor opposition in Tasmania, led by Josh Willie, has proposed a significant policy change aimed at extending the current kindergarten schedule from part-time to five days a week. Currently, Tasmanian children attend kindergarten for about 15 hours a week, which translates to approximately two and a half days. This proposal emerges from growing concerns that around 40 percent of Tasmanian children are not meeting essential developmental milestones by the end of their kindergarten year. The hope is that an extended schedule will provide children with better preparation for their educational journey ahead.

In response to this educational challenge, Josh Willie emphasized the importance of early childhood education, arguing that extended kindergarten will not only benefit parents needing flexible childcare options but also equip children with the necessary skills for their future education. The Labor party believes that investing in early education is crucial for addressing the state's wider educational deficiencies and ensuring children have a solid foundation.

Despite the proposal, there are no immediate plans for a state election, and the current Liberal government has been noncommittal about embracing this policy change. Education Minister is seeking detailed cost assessments and a timeline from Labor before making any commitments, highlighting that financial considerations will play a critical role in the feasibility of the proposed policy. As discussions continue, the future of this initiative will depend greatly on the response from the government and the community's support for enhancing early childhood education in Tasmania.