Abigail Boyd, (MLC since 2019) is a powerful and highly effective voice in NSW Parliament, especially on childcare. She chaired a parliamentary inquiry into the early childhood sector, launched in response to harrowing ABC Four Corners exposés on abuse, neglect, and ECE regulatory failures.

Abigail has worked alongside teaching professionals, whistleblowers and investigative journalists to expose the flaws in Australia’s early childhood education (ECE) sector. She has led the national conversation on the perils of corporatising the care and education of the youngest and most vulnerable in our society.

A tireless defender of workers’ rights, Abigail has relentlessly pushed for progressive economic reforms that put people above profit.

Joining Abigail on the forum panel:

Margaret Gleeson - Managing Director, Keiraville Community Preschool

Margaret has taught in primary and early education since the 80s. In 2024, Margaret became one of six Independent Education Union Ambassadors at the Fair Work Commission, advocating for pay parity for community preschool educators and teachers. The Start Strong, Pay Fair campaign highlights the staffing crisis in NSW Community Preschools, a workforce exodus driven by inadequate state government funding and ECE wages and conditions 30% lower than other teachers.

Tara Leslie - CEO, Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child and Family Centre

A proud descendant of the Gamillaray and Yuin Nations, Tara has long worked in Aboriginal health, early childhood and governance. She is passionate about ensuring children get the kind of education and care they most need. Cullunghutti, in East Nowra, has pioneered an approach to support children and families living with significant stress and disadvantage, incorporating Indigenous culture and community leadership into providing children with education and wrap-around services in speech, counselling, and paediatric health.

Join Abigail, Margaret and Tara at our free community forum, with a light meal provided, to find out more about their critical work and ask the questions important to you about ECE across NSW and in the Shoalhaven.

Make your voice heard and support important and overdue change in the way young children are educated and valued.

The Greens are determined to keep fighting for an ECE sector that our children, families, and teachers deserve - one that puts the dignity, safety, and rights of children and professionals above profit.

Tuesday 16 June  5.30-7.00 pm at the Nowra CWA Hall for a light meal and to learn more about the work being done in NSW to improve the ECE sector, and discuss local solutions.

This event is fully wheelchair accessible. Level access from street and carpark and fully accessible toilet.

Please contact the event organiser with any accessibility requests as early as possible so that suitable arrangements can be discussed and organised where possible. 

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian will need to contact the event organiser directly to let them know there will be someone under 18 attending.