$1 BILLION CHILDCARE AND EARLY LEARNING FUND A LIFELINE FOR FAMILIES IN RURAL AND OUTER-SUBURBAN AREAS

The Federal Government has today announced a substantial investment in creating universal early childhood education and care, with a $1billion fund to build or expand more than 160 early childhood education and care services.

$1 BILLION CHILDCARE AND EARLY LEARNING FUND A LIFELINE FOR FAMILIES IN RURAL AND OUTER-SUBURBAN AREAS

Advocacy organisation The Parenthood – which convenes a rural coalition of 60 plus leading voices spanning health, education and agriculture – wholeheartedly welcome the announcement.

Wednesday 11 December

The Federal Government has today announced a substantial investment in creating universal early childhood education and care, with a $1billion fund to build or expand more than 160 early childhood education and care services.

Convenor of the Parenthood’s Access for Every Child Rural Coalition, Maddy Butler said that this reform would transform the lives of children, parents, educators and carers across the country.

“The investment in building services in regional, rural and remote communities where parents struggle to find early learning places for their children is huge,” said Ms Butler.

The Access for Every Child Coalition includes organisations such as the National Farmers Federation, Regional Australia Institute and the National Rural Women’s Coalition.

They have been campaigning to address ‘childcare deserts’ – areas where more than three children compete for every one childcare place.

“Almost a quarter of Australians live in a childcare desert, and 680 000 Australians live in areas where there are no early childhood education and care services at all,” said Ms Butler.

“The lack of early learning services in regional, rural and remote communities has devastating impacts.

“Children miss out on early education opportunities and parents are often unable to work and earn as a result, which is vital for many families with the rising cost of living. This then trickles on to impact entire communities as essential workforces across health, education, agriculture and mining are stretched.

“We would like to see the fund legislated early next year, and for all parties and candidates to match this commitment, in order to secure early learning access for families post-election.”

The announcement follows news the Child Care Subsidy calculation system, known as the “Activity Test” – which has long been criticised for excluding low-income families – would be replaced with three days of guaranteed subsidised childcare for all families.

The Parenthood CEO Georgie Dent said the $1 billion fund in combination with the removal of the “Activity Test” are essential elements of creating a truly universal early childhood education and care system in Australia.

“The 15 per cent wage rise for educators paved the way, and these two announcements from the Government today indicate we are well and truly on our way to an Australia where every child has the opportunity to participate in early education, and early education is recognised as an essential service for families,” said Ms Dent.

There have also been reports that the Government, if re-elected, will look into a complete overhaul of the fee system whereby out-of-pocket daily costs of childcare fees would not exceed $10 or $20, compared to the current fee of around $50 per child per day.

“If implemented, these commitments bring us closer than ever to a universal early learning system in Australia,” said Ms Dent.

Georgie Dent and Maddy Butler are available for comment.