The Municipal Association of Victoria has announced it has successfully negotiated a revised unit price with the State Government that reflects the cost of Maternal and Child Health services.

 

The maternal and child health memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the MAV and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Education will run until June 2015 and ensures that the costs will be equally split by the two branches of government.

 

The $103.7 million State Budget commitment to early childhood development includes $62.7 million over four years for universal MCH services to provide free access to 10 free key age and stage consultations. In response to the Inquiry into Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children, $16.3 million has also been allocated over four years to continue the enhanced maternal and child health service.

 

Following MAV advocacy, the 2012 - 13 Budget secured an 8 per cent increase in the hourly rate from $83.01 to $89.76 (of which the state pays 50 per cent). DEECD will also increase funding payable each year of the agreement by the rate of indexation approved by the Victorian Government.