In response to Mr Leyonhjelm’s comments – reducing their work to “wiping noses and stopping the kids from killing each other” – the region’s childcare workers joined the national uproar. 

Strong debate has flooded social media after the senator’s appearance on an episode of The Project, where he blamed the “unnecessary” need to posses a qualification in childcare for the increase in fees.

Riverina Children’s Centre staff say everything they stand for was demeaned and devalued overnight.

Monica Graham said training was necessary to ensure the safety, stimulation, education and positive future of the children they nurtured. 

“The first five years of development are extremely important as they absorb so much,” Ms Graham said. “Little peoples’ lives should be more important than anything else.”

Teacher Christine McCaron said the senator’s words were also offensive to famlies who entrusted children to their care and said she’d like to see him come and do her job for one week. 

“Years ago there were a lot of industries that didn’t require a certificate that do now,” she said. “You just don’t see our results until years later.”