A Brisbane kindergarten demanded $2,200 from parents to retrieve children’s artwork, sparking backlash over financial and ethical concerns.

A Brisbane kindergarten has drawn widespread backlash for demanding $2,200 from parents to take home their children’s artwork, citing financial shortfalls including unpaid staff wages. The Craigslea Kindergarten & Preschool, independently run but affiliated with C&K Childcare, said portfolios would be auctioned if not paid for, prompting outrage over the perceived emotional manipulation. Parents were angered by the request, with one reporting being charged after taking her child’s work, despite prior consent forms. The centre closed early, with staff locked out and not paid, and police investigating a break-in report. Queensland’s premier called the move “un-Australian,” and the Department of Education stated parents have a right to their children’s records free of charge. The incident has highlighted financial instability and accountability concerns in community-run childcare.